Danette Renee Tenas, a 54-year-old woman from Ronan, Montana, was last seen on October 8, 2024, which was also her birthday. She was in a recreation area near the Buffalo Bridge on the Flathead River, southwest of Polson, with friends when their vehicle broke down. After the breakdown, she became separated from her companions. Her friends tried to find her but eventually thought she may have gotten a ride from other people in the area, which was reportedly not unusual for her.
Tenas was not known to own or carry a cellphone, and after nearly a week with no contact, her family reported her missing to the Lake County Sheriff's Office on October 14, 2024.
Upon receiving the report, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, along with officers from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes initiated an investigation. Surveillance footage from businesses nearby confirmed her last known location was near the Buffalo Bridge on October 8th. Extensive search efforts were launched in the area by Lake County Search and Rescue, CSKT, and Flathead County Search and Rescue. Despite these efforts, which included the use of drones and dog teams, no significant leads were immediately found. Her family, holding out hope, actively participated in the search and even created a website with an anonymous tip line to gather information.
Tragically, the search came to a somber conclusion on February 4, 2025, when a CSKT game warden discovered skeletonized human remains in the Buffalo Bridge area. The Montana State Medical Examiner's Office later identified the remains as those of Danette Tenas. The cause and manner of her death remain under investigation. The news of her passing brought profound sadness to her family and the community. She was remembered as a beloved family member with a big heart who brought joy and warmth to those who knew her.Last Seen: Oct 8, 2024
