Tragic discovery in Oregon: Missing hiker’s body found, husband arrested on murder charge
By Melissa Alonso, Rebekah Riess and Hanna Park, CNN
(CNN) — The search for missing hiker Susan Lane-Fournier, 61, took a tragic turn after her body was found over the weekend in Welches, Oregon, an unincorporated community at the base of Mount Hood.
Authorities confirmed her death as a homicide, and her husband of 12 years, Michel Fournier, 71, has been arrested on a charge of second-degree murder, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
The search
Lane-Fournier, known to friends as “Phoenix,” was reported missing when she failed to show up for work on November 22. The following day, a concerned community member spotted her white Ford F-250 truck parked near East Salmon River Road, close to the Green Canyon Way Trail south of Welches. Lane-Fournier, an avid hiker, was believed to have been hiking in the area with her two Malinois-mix dogs.
Authorities launched an intensive search operation the next day, deploying over 20 volunteer searchers and Clackamas County Search and Rescue teams to comb the rugged terrain. Despite challenging weather conditions, including temperatures that fell into the 30s, the search continued for several days.
After more than 800 hours of searching, deputies discovered a body on Friday near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in the Welches area.
Lane-Fournier’s disappearance came less than a month after she sued Fournier for divorce, court records show, citing irreconcilable differences. Fournier did not file a response to his wife’s petition, which was never successfully served on him, according to the court file.
Homicide investigation
Fournier faces a charge of second-degree murder in connection with her death. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.
“Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activity and whereabouts since then,” the sheriff’s office said.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Saturday and determined the manner of death was homicide, according to the sheriff’s office.
The remains were confirmed to belong to Lane-Fournier on Saturday, and investigators quickly turned their attention to her husband, Michel, who was arrested and booked into Clackamas County Jail without bail that day, according to authorities.
The sheriff’s office on Sunday announced it had found two deceased dogs believed to belong to Lane-Fournier.
Community response
The killing has sent shock waves through the community, where Lane-Fournier was well-known. She was described by friends as an outdoor enthusiast, dedicated to her work, and someone who was always willing to help others.
Authorities are requesting that anyone with additional information contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or submit tips online.
The sheriff’s office released a booking photo of Michel Fournier on Sunday as they believe it may aid in uncovering further details of the case. Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from releasing booking photos under a 2022 Oregon law, but an exception is made for “identification of additional criminal activity.”
CNN’s Andy Rose and Michael Besozzi contributed to this report.
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