Authorities in Oregon continue to search for a 61-year-old woman who was reported missing after she failed to show up at work last week.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said in a news release that Susan Lane-Fournier, of Brightwood, may have been hiking with her two large Malinois-mix dogs in Mount Hood National Forest.
Sheriff’s deputies were unable to find Lane-Fournier on Friday, Nov. 22, at her home after her employer said she didn’t come to work.
“The next day [Saturday, Nov. 23], a community member reported seeing Susan’s white 1992 Ford F-250 parked along E. Salmon River Road near the Green Canyon Way Trail south of Welches,” according to the sheriff’s office statement. “This discovery prompted Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue deputies to mobilize volunteers with Clackamas Search and Rescue (CSAR) to assist in searching for Ms. Lane-Fournier.”
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Cari Gesch, Lane-Fournier’s friend who spotted the truck, told NBC affiliate KGW that the vehicle was on the side of the road, which was unusual to Gesch because “that’s not really a place someone who’s hiking that trail there would park.”
Gesch also told the outlet that Lane-Fournier is an experienced hiker.
“We’re just all concerned,” said Gesch. “It’s not like her to not show up to work, not call and no one’s seen or heard anything. … She’s a little bit eccentric but everyone up here on this mountain is a little bit eccentric. But she’s just the most kindest, most loving person.”
Authorities described Lane-Fournier, who also goes by the name of “Phoenix,” as 5 feet 2 inches, weighing 150 lbs. and having reddish-brown hair. They added that they have been in touch with the missing woman’s family.
The search for Lane-Fournier continued on Sunday, Nov. 24, and Monday, Nov. 25, said authorities. In an update, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said 37 searchers were in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness on Nov. 25 as part of the ongoing search and covered more than 100 miles of trail. The department added that the search is expected to resume on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Gesch also told the Bradenton Herald that it was uncharacteristic of Lane-Fournier to hike in Mount Hood National Forest without her two dogs.
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
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“They were her protectors,” Gesch said of the missing woman’s dogs, the newspaper reported. “Those were guard dogs. I mean, if anybody would get near her, they would lose their minds.”
CCSO Sgt. Ross Clemson also noted that the canines are very noticeable.
“So we think she’s up here hiking with those dogs, and then based on finding her pickup truck near a trailhead, that’s another clue as to why we think she’s up here,” Clemson told KGW.
The sheriff’s office said that anyone with information about Lane-Fournier and her dogs are encouraged to call them at 503-655-8211 or the department’s tip line at at 503-723-4949.
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