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Emily Rea has been missing since july 16, 2024.
She has not been found. The case remains open, but inactive.
What Happened?
Emily Rea is a seasoned outdoorswoman who spent twelve summers as a commercial set-net fisherwoman in Alaska. Emily knows water, and she knows risk. She has always been careful.
On the evening of July 16, 2024, Emily left her home in West Glacier, Montana to go paddleboarding on Hungry Horse Reservoir. She never came home.
What was found doesn't make sense for someone heading out on the water for a short, relaxing cool down. Her paddleboard was discovered upside down, over two miles across the H.H. Reservoir from her car, configured the way someone packs up for a long paddle. Her car keys (with electric key fob), wallet, leather Birkenstocks, and other non-waterproof belongings were all strapped beneath the bungees. Her life jacket, fillet knife and cell phone have yet to be found.
A massive search effort followed - seasoned SAR and special forces divers, sonar specialists - some of the most experienced water search teams in the country,
helicopters, K-9 units and drones.
Although thought to be missing from the Flathead National Forest,MT her case has yet to gain national attention. Limited, if any, criminal investigation has been done. Emily's family has hired a private investigator, employed analytical cyber specialists in the cellphone, computer and financial arenas to pursue what law enforcement evidently hasn't the resources to pursue adequately. Two years July 16, 2026 and we’re still rolling boulders, turning over rocks and sifting the pebbles. We are still searching. We are definitely; not giving up.
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