Search for missing 27-year-old woman near Helena continues

In Helena, Montana, search and rescue teams, along with volunteers, are actively searching for a 27-year-old woman who went missing on October 4, 2024. Meghan Rouns was last heard from around 2 p.m. after she went horseback riding. Her family reported her missing to the Sheriff's Department at 8 p.m. when she failed to return home. The search began immediately in the McMaster Recreation area, where her horse and phone were later discovered on October 5. The search efforts have involved multiple agencies, including the Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue Units, the Montana Air National Guard, and local police and fire departments. On October 6, the focus shifted to Hauser Lake, where divers and a robotic-operated vehicle were deployed to search the waters. Search teams are employing a method of elimination, systematically covering areas to determine where to focus their efforts next. Volunteers have been instrumental in the search, with many assigned to specific sectors to report any findings. Despite the extensive search, a spur found by volunteers was confirmed not to belong to Meghan. The Sheriff’s Department emphasizes the importance of coordination among the various search teams and volunteers to maximize efficiency in the search efforts. As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for Meghan's safe return, and authorities are committed to utilizing all available resources to locate her.