Jet skiers lead rangers to missing Nevada veterinarian's body in Lake Mead
Share and Follow


LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Two young people jet-skiing on Lake Mead located the body of a missing Nevada veterinarian, who the coroner’s office later determined drowned after taking a sedative, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Tuesday.

Dr. Shawn Frehner disappeared in April after a video showing him kicking a horse went viral. Frehner’s family filed a missing persons report before the media reported the incident.

The search for Frehner began at Lake Mead after his keys, wallet and cellphone were found in his truck parked at Hemenway Harbor on April 7. Crews later found Frehner’s body near the Boulder Islands within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on April 18. Rangers also located ankle weights on his body, documents said.

Frehner’s identity was confirmed on April 19 through dental records.

As a vet, the coroner’s office noted Frehner had “access to multiple medications used for euthanasia of large animals.”

The coroner’s office confirmed Frehner’s cause of death was drowning with the use of pentobarbital. His manner of death was listed as suicide.

Pentobarbital is a barbiturate, which is a type of medication that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It is also a common animal euthanasia drug in the United States and Canada, according to the National Library of Medicine.

A video 8 News Now obtained showed Frehner jabbing a horse in the face before he went missing. The video also showed Frehner flushing a horse’s nose with a syringe a normal practice. Shortly after, he is seen jabbing the horse in the face.

In his apology, Frehner said he was attempting to reposition the horse to help it breathe, but recognized he had kicked the horse. He said he wished the situation had never happened.

He was the subject of an investigation by Nye County deputies for animal cruelty following a complaint from the horse’s owner.

Help is available 24/7 by calling 988.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Taco Bell's unique Thanksgiving special is dividing customers

Taco Bell’s Bold Thanksgiving Creation: A Feast of Flavor or a Festive Faux Pas?

When you think of Thanksgiving, the first thing that comes to mind…
Paramount insiders blow the lid on actor 'blacklist'

Revealed: Paramount Insiders Expose Secretive Actor Blacklist

Hollywood is buzzing with speculation over a secretive list that has many…
FILE - Vice President JD Vance, right, and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps

JD Vance’s Views on Interfaith Marriage and Religion Stir Controversy

During a recent address at a university event, Vice President JD Vance…
Target these tights ends at thin position in fantasy football

Top Tight End Picks for Fantasy Football Success

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Oregon teens Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard score legal win in lawsuit against OSAA for competing against transgender athletes

Oregon Teens Triumph in Landmark Legal Battle Against OSAA Over Transgender Athlete Competition

In a noteworthy legal victory, Oregon teenagers Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard…
US has revoked 80K nonimmigrant visas: State Dept.

State Department Announces Revocation of 80,000 Nonimmigrant Visas in the US

The Trump administration has prioritized national security, leading to the revocation of…
UPS crash update: McDonnell Douglas MD-11 grounding announced by UPS and FedEx following deadly Louisville, Kentucky plane crash

UPS and FedEx Ground McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Fleet After Tragic Louisville Crash

In a move driven by heightened safety concerns, UPS and FedEx have…
Chicago-area man accused of drug trafficking had enough fentanyl to 'kill entire cities'

Chicago Man’s Arrest Unveils Fentanyl Cache Capable of Devastating Entire Cities

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WGN) Authorities in Naperville have charged a local resident with…