Missing Montana rider Meghan Rouns was found dead in the lake

A Montana horseback rider who disappeared while riding on a recreational trail was found dead in a lake Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said.

The frantic search for Meghan Rouns ended in tragedy when her body was pulled from 11 feet of water in Upper Hauser Lake, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said in an interview with The Post.

The 27-year-old woman disappeared after she and her horse went for a ride on Friday afternoon. Shortly after 4 p.m. that day, she took a photo for social media, but was reported missing that night because her family had not heard from her.

No foul play is suspected at this time, although Dutton, who is also the county coroner, has yet to conduct an autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death.

“Her husband, his family and Meghan’s family would like to thank everyone who helped search for her,” Dutton said in a statement announcing the death.

“You gave them hope and comfort that they were not alone in this ordeal.”

Dutton said one theory investigators are looking into is whether Rouns fell off her horse into the water while she was riding because of gusty winds in the area.

Her horse and cellphone were discovered during a search for her on Saturday, authorities said previously.

The sheriff’s rescue effort became a recovery mission Monday, the sheriff said.