MISSOULA — Authorities have identified a body found in the Clark Fork River near Missoula earlier this month as that of missing woman Eva Prather.
Missoula County Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen has confirmed the body, which was recovered from the water on October 13, is that of Prather.
The 43-year-old had been missing since leaving her home on Dec. 31, 2023.
"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. This shared compassion has been invaluable, and we hope that, in time, everyone can find some peace and closure," reads a statement released on Friday by the Missoula Police Department.
The cause and manner of Prather's death remains under investigation.
"Our hearts broke with this news as we held out hope, however slim, for a different outcome," Dave Prather wrote on GoFundMe. "While the coming months will be difficult, we are certain that this news will eventually lead to some closure for our family and for those close to Eva."
"Eva taught us acceptance and belonging because she freely gave those to all she met," a friend of Eva's, Laurie Childs told MTN. "Her connection to the natural world, especially her beloved botany, was infectious to anyone who met her. I always teased her that no one could 'out kindness' her and told her I would keep trying, but she always had the most thoughtful ways to show she had been thinking of you: a special treat from her farm or one of her stunning botanical drawings. Eva’s joy for her kids, husband, and community was always present and left a beautiful, indelible mark on all our hearts."
A social media post states a celebration of life service for Eva will be held at a later date. The family is asking for privacy at this time.
