Authorities continue search for missing paddleboarder Emily Rea
A missing person flyer for Emily Rea. (Image courtesy the Flathead County Sheriff's Office)
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.