The serene trails of Mount Hood National Forest have been shaken by a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the life of 61-year-old hiker Susan Lane-Fournier and her two loyal dogs, Elrond and Elros. Known for her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors, Susan set out for a hike on November 22, accompanied by her two Malinois-mix companions, never to return home.
After a frantic four-day search led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, her lifeless body was discovered along a rural highway near the forest. Beside her were the remains of Elrond and Elros, silent witnesses to what is now confirmed to be a brutal crime. Authorities quickly shifted focus from rescue to justice, arresting Susan’s estranged husband, Michel Fournier, on charges of second-degree murder.
The tragedy is almost incomprehensible. Friends describe Susan as “the kindest, most loving person,” someone who found peace in the wilderness and joy in her dogs. But this peace was shattered by an act of betrayal so heinous, it defies understanding. Michel, her husband of many years, had grown distant, with tensions reportedly escalating after Susan filed for divorce.
While the community mourns Susan’s loss, there is a simmering anger towards the man who vowed to protect her but instead stands accused of ending her life. Her tragic end serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that can sometimes linger behind familiar faces.
As the legal process unfolds, Susan’s friends and loved ones hope for justice—not just for her, but for the dogs who stood by her until the very end.