Authorities continue search for missing paddleboarder Emily Rea
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 4 months AGO
Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore for the Bigfork Eagle and hosts News Now and other podcasts for the Daily Inter Lake. Originally from Kentucky, Taylor started her career at the award-winning public radio newsroom at Murray State University. She worked as a general assignment reporter for WKMS, where her stories aired on National Public Radio, including the show “All Things Considered.” She can be reached at 406-758-4440 or at [email protected]. | August 1, 2024 3:55 PM
Search and rescue crews continue their search of Hungry Horse Reservoir for a missing paddleboarder who was last seen on July 16.
It is believed Emily Rea, 33, was alone when she put her paddleboard into the reservoir sometime after 8:30 p.m., on July 16, according to a release from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday. Authorities said the information is based on cellphone data, security camera footage and Rea’s vehicle location at the Riverside Boat Launch parking lot. The boat launch is 21 miles up the South Fork Road on the reservoir's east side.
Over the past two weeks, deputies have received numerous follow-up reports and tips regarding the search for Rea. However, none of the tips provided substantiated information beyond what was already reported, according to authorities.
On July 17, Rea’s paddleboard was found upside down in the Flossy Creek area, more than 2 miles west of the boat launch. Weather reports show a westerly wind on the reservoir the night of July 16, consistent with the paddleboard's location, authorities said. Her paddle was found stowed and assembled on the board.
Her cellphone was not with the board and last pinged on a tower reachable on the South Fork Road between Martin City and the Riverside Boat Launch, with the time of the ping consistent with her travel from the last security camera sighting to the Riverside Boat Launch.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office deployed multiple search and rescue units, including K9 teams, boat teams equipped with sonar and underwater robots, ground teams, Two Bear Air, drone teams and divers. To date, personnel have spent more than 1,800 hours searching for Rea, according to the release.
Deputies also received assistance from the Forest Service, Montana Fish and Game, Lake County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Glacier National Park and several other agencies and independent resources.
Rea works at the nature based The Skola school in Whitefish and is living in West Glacier.
Rea’s friends and family members have created social media pages to help organize and coordinate search efforts. On Facebook, information can be found on the Search for Emily Rea – Flathead County, MT page, and on Instagram, can be found under @eyesforemily.
Efforts to locate Rea are ongoing.
READ MORE:
Still searching one year later: The disappearance of Emily Rea
‘Paddle out’ at Somers Beach to bring awareness to Emily Rea search
Family and friends of missing paddleboarder continue to seek answers
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Family of missing paddleboarder offers $25,000 for tips leading to her return
Flathead sheriff says use of more advanced sonar is next in search for Emily Rea
Authorities searching for woman last seen near Hungry Horse Reservoir
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