Missing Horseback Rider Found Dead in River Days After Authorities Located Her Horse and Phone

Mar. 15, 2025

Meghan Rita Rouns.Photo:Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office

The body of a woman who went missing almost a week ago during a horseback ride has been found.

Per the authorities, Rouns’ body will be transported to Missoula, Mont., to “determine [the] cause and manner of [her] death.”

“Some of you knew Meghan, some of you did not, but you came to help in time of need. Thank you. To Meghan’s family, we extend our condolences and deepest sympathy,” Dutton said, adding that her husband and family “wish to thank all of you who helped search for her” and provided “them comfort.”

Representatives from the Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Dutton said Rouns’ last known contact was made around 4:20 p.m. that afternoon when she took a picture on Snapchat, per KXLH.

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The next day, Rouns’ horse and cellphone were found. Later,Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Officeannounced that a search for the horseback rider had been launched.

On Monday, Oct. 7, Dutton said in astatementthat crews were concentrating their search “on a section of the Missouri River.”

source: people.com