Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Deceased Individual

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 10:57 AM, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office reported that human remains were found. Public Information Officer Jeannette Smith has the details.

"At approximately 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, an individual reported what they believed were human remains in a log jam in the Clark Fork River, near the 6600 block of Mullan Road," Smith said. "Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Detectives, and Missoula Rural Fire responded to the scene."

According to Smith, it was determined the remains were human and efforts were taken to recover them.

"With the assistance of Missoula County Search and Rescue, the remains were recovered and transported to Montana Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation," Smith added. "This is an active investigation."

On November 1, 2024, at 8:12 AM, the Missoula County Sheriff and Coroner, Jeremiah Petersen, confirmed the identity of the individual recovered from the Clark Fork River on October 13, 2024, as 43-year-old Eva M. Prather of Missoula, who was previously reported missing.

Credit: MPD

Missoula Police Department Public Information Officer Whitney Bennett provided this statement.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Eva M. Prather. We recognize that her case touched many people within our community who showed remarkable support and care throughout the search efforts," Bennett said. "This shared compassion has been invaluable, and we hope that, in time, everyone can find some peace and closure."

According to Bennett, the cause and manner of Prather's death remain under active investigation by the coroner’s office.

"Both the Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate diligently," Bennett said. "Thank you to the Missoula community for your continued assistance and support."

We will provide any additional information about this situation as it becomes available.