Search for missing Mineral Co. woman yields no new info
Mineral County resident Rebekah Barsotti and her dog, Cerb, have been missing since Tuesday, July 20. (Photo courtesy Barsotti family)
After an extensive water, ground, and air search, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office has exhausted all leads at this time in the missing persons case of Rebekah Barsotti and returned the case to Mineral County.
Barsotti was last seen at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the Town Pump in Superior.
On July 21, she was reported missing, and an extensive water, ground, and air search began involving resources from four counties and Two Bear Air.
Her vehicle and some personal items were located at Interstate 90 milemarker 71 by the Clark Fork River near Alberton.
Search and rescue teams from Mineral, Missoula, Flathead and Kootenai counties began an extensive search in and around the Clark Fork River.
Combined, more than 2,000 hours have been dedicated to the search, according to officials.
In a July 26 social media post, Toth reported the dog had been found dead in the Clark Fork River by the Mineral County Search and Rescue team, about 10 miles downriver from where authorities believe Barsotti and the animal went into the water.
While Missoula County SAR conducted their search Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division investigated all other potential leads and all leads have been exhausted at this time.
“The search for Rebekah Barsotti has been extensive; the most extensive in recent Mineral County history in terms of resources and hours,” stated Sheriff Mike Toth. “I’m thankful for the support of our neighboring law enforcement agencies, especially Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
"The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office is compassionate to the Barsotti family and their search for their loved one. We will continue to work with the Barsotti family and the case will remain an active missing persons case and any credible leads will be investigated.”
“Missoula County Search and Rescue volunteers and detectives worked tirelessly to try and bring closure to this case and to Rebekah’s family,” stated Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott. “We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers and staff and we are proud of the effort and work on this case. Our thoughts are with the family and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, resources, and staff stands ready to assist our law enforcement partners as requested.”
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call Mineral County Sheriff’s Office at 406-822-3555.