A Montana woman, who was reported missing after a horseback ride, was found deceased in a lake on Tuesday, according to local law enforcement. Meghan Rouns, 27, was discovered in Upper Hauser Lake, submerged in water approximately 11 feet deep, as reported by Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton.
Rouns was last seen on Friday afternoon when she embarked on a horseback ride along a local recreational trail. She posted a photograph on social media around 4 p.m. that day, but her family reported her missing later that evening when they failed to hear from her.
The search for Rouns, which began on Friday, ended tragically on Tuesday when her body was recovered from the lake. Sheriff Dutton, who also serves as the county coroner, stated that there are no immediate indications of foul play. However, an autopsy is still required to officially determine the cause and manner of death.
In a public statement, Dutton expressed gratitude on behalf of Rouns’ husband and family to everyone who participated in the search. He acknowledged the hope and comfort provided by the community during the ordeal, assuring them that their efforts were not in vain.
Investigators are considering several theories regarding Rouns’ death. One possibility is that she may have been unseated from her horse due to strong winds in the area and subsequently fell into the water. This theory is supported by the fact that her horse and cellphone were found during the search on Saturday.
The search operation transitioned from a rescue to a recovery mission on Monday, as stated by the sheriff. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities and the importance of safety precautions.