
The body of a woman who mysteriously disappeared while riding a house last week in Montana has been discovered – miles away from home.
At a glance:
- Meghan Rouns, 27, was found dead after disappearing during a horseback ride near Helena, Montana.
- Her horse was found near the Missouri River, but Rouns’ body was located days later in the water.
- Authorities do not suspect foul play and believe she may have been knocked into the river by strong winds.
Authorities have found the body of Meghan Rouns, a 27-year-old woman who mysteriously vanished while horseback riding near Helena, Montana. Rouns, an experienced equestrian, went missing last Friday after setting out along the McMaster Hills trail, approximately 15 miles from downtown Helena.
According to the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Rouns was last seen on Friday afternoon. When she did not return home by 6 p.m., her father reported her missing two hours later. Search teams were dispatched at 9 p.m., initiating a search effort that lasted until 4 a.m. the following morning.
Search crews located Rouns’ horse, hat, and phone near the Missouri River, with GPS data confirming the horse had been in the river. While the horse appeared unharmed, search teams were unable to find Rouns herself. Sheriff Leo C. Dutton suggested that a powerful gust of wind may have knocked her off her horse and into the water, as Rouns could not swim, and her horse was known to dislike water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sOG3eJhYFQ
After days of searching, divers located Rouns’ body on Tuesday afternoon. Her remains were found about 100 feet from the riverbank in 11 feet of water. Officials do not suspect foul play and have ruled out any medical emergency or suicide. Her body has been sent to a crime lab in Missoula for an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
In a statement, Sheriff Dutton expressed his condolences to Rouns’ family, saying, “It is with great sadness we report that Meghan was located by our search and rescue divers around 3:40 p.m. She is deceased. To Meghan’s family, we extend our condolences and deepest sympathy.”
Rouns’ disappearance has left many questions, but authorities believe it was a tragic accident, possibly caused by unpredictable weather. Search teams worked tirelessly, using drones, helicopters, cadaver dogs, and sonar equipment to locate her in the days following her disappearance. Despite the extensive search, the outcome has been a heartbreaking one for her family and the community.