Family of missing paddleboarder offers $25,000 for tips leading to her return

The family of a woman who vanished while paddleboarding in the Hungry Horse Reservoir in July is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.

Relatives of 33-year-old Emily Rea of West Glacier are looking for any information that could lead to her location, including photos, videos and sightings, according to Caspr Communications, the public relations firm hired by the family.  

Rea went missing July 16. Anyone with information is urged to call the tipline at 406-758-5610 or email tips@flathead.mt.gov. 

The $25,000 reward is for the first valid tip leading to the return of Rea by Nov. 30. It applies to non-water recovery information, owing to the intensive search and rescue work underway at the reservoir, according to the communications firm. 

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has been searching for Rea for over a month in the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Boat teams equipped with sonar and underwater robots, K9 teams, ground teams, Two Bear Air helicopters, drone teams and divers have been deployed in the search effort. 

Most recently, authorities employed specialized side scan sonar to navigate challenging deep-water terrain. In addition, a communications campaign, #EyesForEmily, and website have been established as a source of information.  

A volunteer form and a downloadable missing person flyer can be found on the website as well as a donation link to support the search and the #EyesForEmily campaign. There are also official Facebook and Instagram accounts set up to provide updates. 

“Emily is still missing and we are broadening and intensifying our search for her,” said Rea’s mother, Nina Rea. “We are now offering a $25,000 reward in the hope for more information that will help us locate and bring our daughter home. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped in the search effort so far, and I pray we find answers soon.”