By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times
After a week-long search, 61-year-old Brightwood resident Susan “Phoenix” Lane-Fournier, who was reported missing on November 22, has been found dead near her home. Her husband, Michel Fournier, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He is being held at the Clackamas County Jail without bail.
The close-knit community is reeling from the loss of a cherished friend. Lane-Fournier’s two beloved dogs, her constant companions, were recovered deceased by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office on November 30, and transferred to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
She was last seen alive on November 21 after closing up the Hoodland Bazaar in Welches, where she worked. Witnesses saw her load her dogs into the back of her white Ford F250 before leaving. Her friends noted that she was going through a challenging time, as she had recently filed for divorce from her 71-year-old husband.
When she didn’t show up for work the next day, friends and family knew something was wrong. They reported her missing to the CCSO, also noting that her two dogs—who were very protective of her—were missing as well.
On November 23, a friend found her truck parked on Salmon River Road, near a popular hiking trail.
That afternoon, CCSO launched a search in the wooded area where her truck had been found. Press releases described her as a “missing hiker” However, friends and family strongly disagreed. She had recently shared with several friends that she feared for her safety.
On November 24, the community gathered for a somber candlelight vigil at the Hoodland Bazaar to pray for her safe return. In the days that followed, posters were widely distributed, and media outlets across the country reported on her disappearance.
Despite the widespread efforts, CCSO called off their official search on November 26, citing severe weather conditions and the low likelihood of survival. Unwilling to give up, friends and community members shifted their focus to the area near Lane-Fournier’s home in Brightwood.
Their persistence led to a tragic discovery on November 29. A friend found her body close to Highway 26 and Miller Road, just a short distance from her home.
The community has set up a GoFundMe for Lane-Fournier’s sons to help them through the trials to come. https://gofund.me/4b9f3193
As the investigation unfolds, CCSO is asking for the public’s help. They are looking for anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days leading up to Susan Lane-Fournier’s disappearance, or who may have information about his activities since then.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at 503-723-4949 or submit details online at www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip, referencing case number 24-024698.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Dear Readers,
Our December edition had already gone to press the day before Susan “Phoenix” Lane-Fournier was reported missing. However, we were able to cover, update, and publish the unfolding story on our website as events transpired. Although it has been over a month since we lost her, I wanted to ensure that this important story was included in this issue, preserving it within our printed archives for future generations. It is crucial that Susan’s story remains accessible to anyone who may look back on our paper in search of information. Thank you.
Matthew Nelson – Publisher.