30-Year-Old Woman Missing Since Christmas Eve Found Dead in Frozen Lake: 'Heartbreaking Accident'

Mar. 15, 2025

A Massachusetts woman who went missing while walking her dog on Christmas Eve has been found dead in a frozen lake, authorities said.

The body of Owen Kasozi, 30, was discovered in Wenham Lake at the J.C. Philips Nature Preserve in Beverly on Christmas Day, according to astatementfrom the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.

She was last seen entering the nature park with her dog at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24., authorities said.

Owen Kasozi went missing after she fell into Wenham Lake in Beverly on Christmas Eve.Beverly Police

Beverly Police

They believe that Kasozi fell into freezing Wenham Lake and “was unable to extricate herself,” according to the statement.

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Wenham Lake in Massachusetts.Paula Stephens/Shutterstock

Paula Stephens/Shutterstock

“On behalf of the Beverly Police Department, I would like to pass along our sincere condolences to the family of Owen Kasozi,” Beverly Police Chief John G. LeLacheur said in a statement.

“I would also like to thank all the first responders for being able to give the family some degree of closure in the wake of this difficult search process,” LeLacheur said.

Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker added that “this is not the search outcome that anyone was hoping for. We appreciate the efforts of all our law enforcement partners who worked diligently over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to locate Owen Kasozi.”

“Our thoughts are with her family as they begin to cope with this painful loss,” Tucker said.

“We come to you with heavy hearts to share the devastating loss of our beloved daughter & sister, Owen Kasozi, who tragically passed away on Christmas Day while walking her dog,” her family said.

“In a heartbreaking accident, she fell into a pond in the park and succumbed to the cold, leaving us all in shock and sorrow,” they said.

“Her passion for life was infectious, and she had a unique ability to make those around her feel valued and loved,” her family continued in the post. “She cherished her family and friends deeply, and her absence will be felt profoundly in our lives.”

source: people.com