Campaign to find missing paddleboarder expanding
A missing persons flyer for 33-year-old Emily Rea of West Glacier who went missing in the Hungry Horse Reservoir on July 16. (Courtesy image)
Friends and family of a woman who vanished while paddleboarding on the Hungry Horse Reservoir last month are expanding a public outreach campaign in the hopes of finding the missing 33-year-old.
Emily Rea of West Glacier disappeared on July 16, prompting a search effort involving the Flathead County Sheriff's Office and Two Bear Air with assistance from state and federal agencies. Though investigators found her vehicle at the Riverside Boat Launch parking lot and later recovered her paddleboard, found upside down in the Flossy Creek area, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Friends and family estimate that authorities have spent 2,300 hours searching for Rea as of Aug. 8. Hoping to raise awareness, they have launched the #EyesForEmily campaign along with a website dedicated to the search at eyesforemily.softr.app. Other efforts include an Instagram page, Facebook page and GoFundMe page. Those interested in volunteering can find more information on the website.
Organizers said Thursday that the campaign plans to expand to billboards, radio and fuel pump announcements. They also are distributing flyers across Montana.
“It’s virtually impossible to express the extent of my thanks to everyone who has and continues to devote their time, resources, prayers and their hearts to the ongoing search to bring my daughter home,” said Nina Rea, Emily Rea’s mother, in a statement. “We are searching and seeking for any information that will help us find Emily.”
Authorities encourage anyone with information about Rea's disappearance to call 406-758-5610 or email tips@flathead.mt.gov.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.