SAR teams search Crystal Creek area for clues about missing woman

North and South Big Horn Search and Rescue teams conducted a search for clues in the cold case regarding the disappearance of Danell Messick on Friday and Saturday near the Crystal Creek rest area off U.S. Highway 14A east of Lovell, in the Big Horn Mountains. Messick, a Cody resident at the time of her disappearance, has been missing for three years.
Deputy Jeff Angell of the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Dept. said the case is still open and noted that he has worked on the case for three years. He said he continues to get leads and information on the case and diligently follows up on every lead.
Sheriff Ken Blackburn noted that, though nothing new was found, the search was conducted in even more detail than searches conducted in the past.
“Friday and Saturday we conducted a two-day search going over the data and information from previous searches,” explained Blackburn. “Multiple searches have been conducted in the past, but we conducted this two-day search again using specialized drones and employing the search and rescue squads from both the north and south ends of the county, as well as deputies and volunteers.”
Blackburn said after conducting the “exhaustive” search, the SAR teams were unsuccessful in locating any additional clues.
“It’s important to know, that we are committed to bringing people home to their families if they are located anywhere in Big Horn County,” said Blackburn. “We consider anyone missing is part of someone’s family, and we try to bring closure to that family. We have been very diligent in following up on this, and we haven’t given up on the case. Even though it’s been three years, we’re not giving up.”
Blackburn thanked Big Horn County Weed and Pest for allowing the search teams to use its advanced drones during the search. He also thanked local citizens who also came forward to assist SAR personnel.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation website, Billie “Danell” Bennett was last seen in Cody on July 16, 2021. Her destination was unknown to her friends and family. On July 19, 2021, her vehicle, a black 2000 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck, was found abandoned near the Crystal Creek Rest Area with all of her belongings, including her wallet, inside.
At the time of her disappearance, law enforcement officials used drones to search the area near where her vehicle was found, along with dog and horse teams.