‘Paddle out’ at Somers Beach to bring awareness to Emily Rea search
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 months, 3 weeks AGO
Paddleboarders skim across Flathead Lake in Bigfork on Wednesday, June 11. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | July 11, 2025 12:00 AM
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].
READ MORE:
Still searching one year later: The disappearance of Emily Rea
Family and friends of missing paddleboarder continue to seek answers
Mother of missing paddleboarder reflects on search and rescue efforts
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 continue search for missing paddleboarder Emily Rea
Authorities searching for woman last seen near Hungry Horse Reservoir
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