A Montana horseback rider who went missing while riding along a recreational trail in the state was found dead in a lake Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff's office announced.
A frantic search for Megan Lowndes ended in tragedy when her body was pulled from the 11-foot-deep waters of Upper Hauser Lake, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said in an interview with The Post. Ta.
The 27-year-old woman went missing Friday afternoon after going horseback riding with her horses. She was photographed for social media just after 4pm that afternoon, but was reported missing that night after her family did not contact her.
So far, no foul play is suspected, but Dutton, who is also the county coroner, will need to conduct an autopsy to determine the circumstances and cause of death.
“My husband, his family, and Meghan's family would like to thank everyone who helped with the search,” Dutton said in a statement announcing the death.
“You kept them hopeful and gave them comfort that they were not alone in this ordeal.”
Dutton said investigators are investigating the theory that Lowndes may have been riding when high winds blew through the area, causing him to fall off his horse and into the water.
Authorities previously announced that her horse and cell phone were found during a search Saturday.
The sheriff's rescue effort turned into a recovery mission Monday, the sheriff said.
