Missing Montana woman Meghan Rouns, 27, is found dead in the river after disappearing while on a horseback ride

A Montana woman who went missing while horseback riding has been found dead in the Missouri River.

Meghan Rouns, 27, disappeared on a trail at McMaster Hills Recreation Center near Helena on Friday.

Her family reported her missing after she failed to return home six hours later.

Her disappearance sparked a frantic search, but last night she was found by divers under 11 feet of water, about 100 feet from shore.

Authorities believe Rouns, who could not swim, was knocked off her horse in high winds.

Friends have since paid tribute to the “kind and caring” married woman who was a keen horse rider.

“Meghan was the sweetest person I ever had.” [sic] “I met,” Vanessa Olson said. “My heart breaks for her family.” We will miss her smile very much. RIP, sweet girl.’

“All of us who knew Meghan were truly blessed to have had her in our lives, even if only for a short time,” said Tamrah Chatriand. “She was a very sweet, kind, caring, considerate and calm person.

“Once you met her, you liked her because that’s exactly what she was.”

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff and Coroner Leo C. Dutton said Rouns’ husband and family would like to thank the local community for their support.

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

“The members of my office and I are grateful to each and every one of you who have shown compassion and courage for this family.”

“Some of you knew Meghan, some of you didn’t, but you came to help in time of need.” Thank you very much.

Rouns disappeared Friday on a hiking trail at McMaster Hills Recreation Center near Helena

On Tuesday, the sheriff’s department dispatched divers to the stretch of the Missouri River

“We extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to Meghan’s family.”

She was last seen by her family leaving home at around 2pm on Friday, October 4th.

According to sheriff’s deputies Lewis and Clark, a photo was posted to their Snapchat account around 4:20 p.m.

She was then reported missing around 8pm after failing to return home, leaving police a three hour and forty minute window in which she could have disappeared.

Her father said she was horseback riding in the Eagle Bay area east of Helena, west of the Missouri River.

In recent days, multiple law enforcement agencies joined in the search for the missing woman and eventually found Rouns’ horse over the hill from Hauser Lake.

Her body was tragically discovered under 11 feet of water, approximately 100 feet from shore

Officials believe she may have been thrown from the horse into the water by strong winds

The Helena Police Department Malmstrom Air Force Base even used a helicopter Sunday as search dog teams were brought in.

Dozens of volunteers also searched the recreation area on foot and horseback, and at the same time a robotic vehicle and divers were seen combing the water where Rouns’ horse was found.