Body of missing hiker found, husband arrested for murder

The search for missing hiker Susan Lane-Fournier, 61, took a tragic turn after her body was found over the weekend in Viels, Oregon, an unincorporated community at the foot of Mount Hood. Authorities confirmed her death was a homicide, and her husband, Michel Fournier, 71, was 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 Nov. 22. The following day, a concerned community member spotted her white Ford F-250 parked near East Salmon River Road. near the Green Canyon Way Trail south of Welch. Lane-Fournier, an avid hiker, was said to have been hiking in the area with her two Malinois mix dogs.

The next day, authorities launched an intensive search effort, deploying more than 20 Clackamas County volunteer search personnel and search and rescue teams to comb the rugged terrain. Despite challenging weather conditions with temperatures reaching 30°C, the search continued for several days.

After more than 800 hours of searching, officers discovered a body Friday near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in the Werden area.

Murder investigation

On Saturday, the remains were confirmed to belong to Lane-Fournier, and investigators quickly turned their attention to her husband, Michel, who authorities said was arrested and taken to the Clackamas County Jail without bail that day. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Saturday and determined the manner of death to be a homicide, according to the sheriff’s office.

Fournier is charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death. It is unclear whether he has hired a lawyer.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the homicide, a news release said. “Investigators want to speak with anyone who saw Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activities and whereabouts since then,” the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office announced Sunday that it had found two deceased dogs believed to belong to Lane-Fournier.

Community reaction

The murder sent shockwaves through the community where Lane-Fournier was known. Friends described her as an outdoor enthusiast, dedicated to her work and always willing to help others.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to call the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or submit tips online.

As the investigation progresses, the Sheriff’s Office has released a booking photo of Michel Fournier because they believe it may help uncover more details of the case.

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