A life-size bronze statue of legendary aviator Amelia Earhart has been recovered by police in Newfoundland, Canada, several months after it was stolen from a public park. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that the commemorative statue was discovered cut into multiple pieces, though all components have been accounted for and returned to authorities.

The statue was found in a wooded area approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Harbour Grace, the town from which it was originally stolen in April. Police received a tip from the public that led them to the remote location where the vandalized memorial had been abandoned. The bronze figure, which had stood as a tribute to one of aviation's most celebrated pioneers, was deliberately dismantled by the thieves.

The memorial holds special historical significance as it commemorates Earhart's groundbreaking transatlantic flight that began from Harbour Grace on May 20, 1932. On that date, Earhart took off from the town's airstrip and successfully flew solo across the Atlantic Ocean to Northern Ireland, becoming the first woman to complete such a journey alone. Her achievement marked a pivotal moment in aviation history and women's advancement in the field.

Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs expressed his relief and joy at the statue's recovery, stating that the community is celebrating having their beloved memorial back home. Despite the damage inflicted by the thieves, Coombs confirmed that plans are already underway to restore the statue to its original condition. The mayor emphasized the importance of the memorial to the town's identity and its connection to Earhart's historic achievement.

The recovered pieces of the statue will undergo professional restoration work before being reinstalled on the stone platform that overlooks the airstrip where Earhart began her famous journey. The town is committed to ensuring that this important piece of aviation history continues to honor Earhart's legacy and inspire future generations. The investigation into the theft remains ongoing, with police continuing to seek information about those responsible for the vandalism.