Shocking Twist in Oregon: Missing Hiker Found Dead – Husband Charged with Murder

The search for 61-year-old hiker Susan Lane-Fournier, who had been missing for several days, tragically concluded over the weekend. Her body was found in Welches, Oregon, an unincorporated community situated at the base of the iconic Mount Hood. The discovery marked a heartbreaking turn in the ongoing efforts to locate her, leaving the community and her loved ones devastated.

The search for 61-year-old Susan Lane-Fournier, who had been missing for several days, took a heartbreaking and tragic turn over the weekend when her body was found in Welches, Oregon, a remote community located at the base of Mount Hood. Following the discovery, authorities confirmed that her death was a homicide. In a significant development, her husband, 71-year-old Michel Fournier, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. This information was released by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, which is continuing its investigation into the case.

Susan Lane-Fournier, known to friends as “Phoenix,” was reported missing after she failed to show up for work on November 22. The following day, a concerned community member found 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 enthusiastic hiker, was believed to have been hiking in the area with her two Malinois-mix dogs.

In response, authorities launched a large-scale search operation the next day, involving over 20 volunteers and Clackamas County Search and Rescue teams to navigate the difficult terrain. Despite harsh weather, with temperatures dropping into the 30s, the search efforts continued for several days. After more than 800 hours of searching, deputies finally discovered a body on Friday near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in the Welches area.

On Saturday, authorities confirmed that the remains found belonged to Susan Lane-Fournier. Investigators then focused their attention on her husband, Michel, who was arrested that same day and booked into Clackamas County Jail without bail. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy and determined that the cause of death was homicide, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office.