Family and friends of a local paddleboarder who went missing in the Hungry Horse Reservoir last summer are organizing a paddle in Flathead Lake to bring awareness to her search.  

West Glacier resident Emily Rea, 34, was last known to have put her paddleboard in the Hungry Horse Reservoir near the Riverside boat launch on July 16, 2024. Since then, little has been found to point to her whereabouts, despite thousands of hours of search efforts by family, friends, search and rescue personnel and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.  

This summer, those close to Rea are hoping to draw awareness to her case by organizing events like the paddle out to remind the community of her disappearance.  

Kayakers and paddleboarders are invited to a paddle in Rea’s honor on July 12 at Somers Beach State Park, from 5 to 6 p.m. Balloons will mark where the group is on the beach. 

Rea’s former coworker, Alexis Ehler, organized the paddle. She hopes the gathering will help community members connect with each other while reminding them of the search.  

“If Emily was here with us right now, this is what she would be doing. This is one of her favorite things, she loves being out in nature and on the water — she grew up fishing and boating. It’s just something, like an act of love, that will bring everyone together to connect and rejuvenate the search,” Ehler said.  

Rea’s car was discovered in the parking area of the Riverside boat launch on July 17. Her paddleboard was found upside down in the Flossy Creek area more than 2 miles west of the boat launch with her paddle assembled and stowed.   

Those interested in getting involved in the search for Rea should go to eyesforemily.com. Officials urge anyone with information regarding Rea to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 406-752-TIPS.   

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].