A desperate search is underway for 27-year-old Meghan Rouns, who disappeared Friday while horseback riding in Montana. Despite locating her horse and phone, Meghan remains missing.
According to authorities, rouns was last seen when she went for an afternoon ride in a recreational area approximately 90 minutes from Bozeman.
The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office reported that search teams, including authorities, first responders, and volunteers, combed the area, discovering her phone in a saddle bag and her horse on Saturday. However, Rouns has not been found, and efforts to locate her continue.
Meghan Rouns Update
The search for Meghan Rouns intensified after her horse was found on a hill near Hauser Lake. As a result, the sheriff’s office shifted its focus to the lake and the surrounding area, according to Lt. Willy Wegner of the sheriff’s operations, as reported by KTVH. Authorities continue to scour the region to locate the missing horseback rider.
According to Sheriff Leo Dutton, Meghan Rouns was last heard from by her parents around 2 p.m. on Friday, but she posted a photo on Snapchat at approximately 4:20 p.m. She was reported missing by her parents around 8 p.m. that evening.
On October 4th, Meghan was out horseback riding around 2pm. Her horse was located, but Meghan is still missing. Currently, multiple agencies, including DNR, mercy flights, national guard, iFlybigsky and local departments are searching the area.
— Missing People In America (@MissingPeopleIA) October 7, 2024
MISSING Meghan Rouns
📍 Location:… pic.twitter.com/KZvvDuTtz1
Investigation
Sheriff Dutton speculated that Rouns might have fallen into the water due to gusty winds in the area, though foul play has been ruled out. “We believe something happened that spooked the horse and caused it to get into the water,” he told the US Sun. “We just don’t know what yet.”
The investigation continues as search efforts are focused on the lake and surrounding terrain.
In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, Sheriff Leo Dutton updated the public on the ongoing search for Meghan Rouns, stating that he was with her husband and family as they concentrated their efforts on a section of the Missouri River.
He urged the public to avoid the search area, particularly the water, to ensure the safety of SCUBA divers involved. “Please stay clear of the search area, this includes the water search area. If people try to get there, they will endanger our SCUBA divers,” Dutton wrote. “Please do not interfere with the search.”
As the search continues, officials have been able to rule out certain areas where Rouns might have been. Sheriff Leo Dutton expressed gratitude to the community in his Facebook post, saying, “Thank you to the citizens who have given their time on foot, horses, and other volunteer services.” He acknowledged the significant support from volunteers as the search for Meghan Rouns continues.