DENVER (KDVR) — Officials in Missoula, Montana, have been searching for a Colorado woman and her dog, who were reported missing on Feb. 22 after they were last seen at a Missoula dog park on Feb. 21.
Danit Ehrlich, 33, was traveling from Colorado to Washington when she went missing. According to a post on a travel nurse Facebook group, she was heading to Tacoma, Washington, and was looking to sublet her apartment in Thornton. She was last seen near Jacob’s Island Dog Park on South Van Buren Street.
On Sunday, the Missoula Police Department said investigators determined that Ehrlich likely drowned in the Clark Fork River. The agency said it would conduct recovery efforts as conditions allowed.
The department also said officers were still searching for Ehrlich’s dog, Bamba, who was missing at the time that Ehrlich’s death was declared. On Monday, the police department said it used K-9s and drones, alongside other resources, to conduct an extensive search for Bamba.
“At this time, we do not have any evidence to suggest that Bamba exited the river,” the department said.
Missoula police said it was aware of search efforts planned near the river and warned those searching for Bamba or Ehrlich to be cautious of the icy waters.
“While we deeply appreciate the care and concern for Bamba’s whereabouts, we are urging the public to avoid the river and surrounding areas due to dangerous conditions,” the Missoula Police Department said. “The ice, swift currents, and unpredictable terrain pose significant risks, and we want to ensure that no further injuries or emergencies occur.”
The department said its priority is to preserve life, and advised against anyone putting themselves in harm’s way. Anyone with information about Bamba’s location is asked to contact the Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6300.
