The Missoula Police Department continues to hold the family and loved ones of Danit in our thoughts following the confirmation of her recovery early this year. We recognize that revisiting this story brings renewed grief, and we are grateful to Danit’s family for allowing her story to be shared as part of honoring her life and acknowledging the many efforts made. Those close to Danit have also emphasized the importance of her story being shared as a way to promote awareness and safety around the river and the dangers it can present.
Danit was reported missing on February 21, 2025, after concerns were raised that she may have entered the Clark Fork River. From the outset, the Missoula Police Department initiated an extensive missing persons investigation in close coordination with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. Search and investigative efforts included coordinated river operations, shoreline searches, follow-up investigations, and continued recovery efforts over an extended period of time.
On March 9, 2025, Danit was recovered from the Clark Fork River. Danit died as the result of drowning.
Throughout the search and recovery efforts, Danit’s family expressed deep appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and persistence demonstrated by responding agencies. We would also like to acknowledge Danit’s beloved dog, Bamba, who was never recovered and is deeply missed.
As a gesture of gratitude, Danit’s father, Simon Ehrlich, shared a personal connection that led to an extraordinary act of kindness. Simon, who is Israeli, served in the Israeli military alongside Samuel Zohar, a lifelong friend. After hearing Simon describe the support shown by the Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Samuel hand-crafted wooden plaques in Israel to honor both agencies.
During shipment to the United States, the plaques were detained by U.S. Customs and were drilled for security purposes, resulting in damage. Upon receiving them, the Missoula Police Department contacted A Carousel for Missoula’s Pony Keepers, the volunteer artisans who develop and maintain the Missoula Carousel. Ron Larson, a 15-year Pony Keeper, generously repaired the plaques, donating his time and expertise at no cost.
To honor Danit’s memory and the collective efforts surrounding this incident, the Missoula Police Department will display a plaque, along with photographs documenting the damage and a brief description of the repairs, within the department. This display will serve as a lasting reminder of Danit, the community’s support, and the appreciation many have for the work performed by first responders and assisting agencies during difficult and emotionally challenging circumstances.
Attached photos include images of the plaques as they were received. With the family’s permission, these images are shared in recognition of the collective efforts, compassion, and community support shown throughout this difficult time.
Pictured:
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Danit and Bamba
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Chief Michael Colyer
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Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen
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Ron Larson (Pony Keeper)
