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Help us find Emily Rea
Emily has been missing since July 16, 2024. Her last known location is the Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana, where she told a friend she was planning to paddleboard. Her vehicle was found at a boat launch site, and her paddleboard was discovered the next evening—upside down, over two miles away—but Emily has never been located.
Since that day, a vast search effort has unfolded: ground teams, K9 units, divers, drones, sonar specialists, and helicopters have combed the area with dedication and care. Yet despite over 1,800 hours of search and rescue work and nationwide support, no conclusive trace has been found.
Emily’s family, friends, and an extraordinary community of volunteers continue to pursue every lead and hold onto hope. We believe Emily can be found—and we ask for your help.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING EMILY'S DISAPPEARANCE ARE TROUBLING AND INCONSISTENT WITH A SIMPLE WATER ACCIDENT.
A personal message from Emily's mom, Nina Rea
I’m Emily S. Rea, “Nina”, mother of Emily M. Rea. My family, friends and I are writing to ask for your help in urging the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office (FHCSO) to further investigate the disappearance of Emily as more than a water death. We ask that this be accomplished by having the FHCSO invite the FBI and any other agency deemed necessary to fully investigate all aspects of her disappearance as a possible criminal case.
On 7/16/24, Emily left her apartment in West Glacier, MT to go paddle boarding and did not return home. After months of extensive water search efforts by FHCSO and multiple Search and Rescue teams, Emily has still not been found.
The family has been told by the FHCSO that they believe the case is an unfortunate water accident. We are not convinced and do not believe that the case has been thoroughly investigated as potentially criminal in nature. The key anomalies outlined in this document, when viewed together, do not add up, are inconsistent with Emily's nature, and require more thorough investigation.
The FHCSO has stated numerous times that they have limited resources. We sincerely appreciate their efforts to date and recognize their resource limitations. As Emily disappeared on federally managed land, the family would like to request that a higher level of resources be found to assist the local Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.
The FBI has already been enlisted by the FHCSO to aid in accessing data on Emily’s computer. To date, access attempts have been unsuccessful. We believe their broader involvement could be vital in conducting a comprehensive criminal investigation — especially given that Emily disappeared on federally managed land. We are requesting that aid be expanded to assist in the entire investigation.
Every day that passes is another day that Emily’s life is at risk while potentially being in the hands of someone causing her harm.
Please join in our efforts to find Emily.
-Nina Rea