The disappearance of veterinarian Shawn Frehner sparked widespread concern after a controversial video surfaced showing him mistreating a client's horse.
According to Daily Mail, authorities confirmed Monday that Frehner's body was recovered from Lake Mead on Friday, thirteen days after he vanished following public outrage over a video showing him kicking a horse in his care.
The 56-year-old veterinarian disappeared on April 6 after footage emerged of him abusing a horse named Big Red during what was supposed to be a routine treatment visit. Before his disappearance, Frehner posted a message on Facebook both defending his actions and apologizing for hurting the animal.
The horse's owner, Shawna Gonzalez, explained that her daughter began recording after becoming alarmed by Frehner's aggressive handling of their colt.
Gonzalez witnessed the veterinarian wrap a rope tightly around the horse's neck multiple times before delivering a kick to the animal's head.
The incident left Gonzalez in a severe state of anxiety as she watched her horse remain down for approximately 45 minutes after Frehner hastily left the property. The horse sustained abrasions to its skull and required treatment at Desert Pines Equine Center.
In his final Facebook post addressing the incident, Frehner attempted to provide context while acknowledging his actions were wrong.
Gonzalez shared her response to news of Frehner's disappearance:
It's horrible, I never, ever wished this upon him, I never wished this upon anybody. This is not what I wanted in the end at all.
Investigators focused their search efforts on Lake Mead shortly after Frehner went missing. Last week, they located his truck and personal belongings near the reservoir's edge.
The discovery of these items preceded the recovery of Frehner's body from the lake on Friday. Officials have not yet released information about the cause of death or whether they suspect suicide, accident, or foul play.
Prior to his disappearance, Frehner was facing felony animal abuse charges related to the incident with Big Red. His veterinary practice website highlighted his 1997 doctorate from Ohio State University and emphasized his commitment to "nurturing the human-animal bond."
The discovery of Shawn Frehner's body in Lake Mead marked the end of a thirteen-day search that began after a video of him kicking a client's horse went viral online. The Nevada veterinarian disappeared on April 6 following public backlash over the incident, posting a final message on Facebook that both defended and apologized for his actions.
The case concluded with the recovery of Frehner's remains from Lake Mead on Friday, with his identity confirmed Monday by authorities. While officials continue investigating the circumstances of his death, the incident has left a lasting impact on both the local veterinary community and Gonzalez, whose horse sustained injuries requiring professional treatment.
