Missing Veterinarian Found Dead in Lake Mead Weeks After He’s Filmed Beating Horse

Officials have confirmed that the body found in a Nevada lake last week is that of a man who went missing earlier this month. The National Park Service stated that the body of Dr. Shawn Frehner was discovered at Boulder Islands in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on April 18. Reports indicated that Frehner’s truck was found at Hemmenway Harbor in the park on April 7 with his keys, phone, and wallet still inside.

Frehner, 56, was reported missing by his father on April 6, the day before his truck was located. According to his father, Frehner had mentioned facing difficulties with one of the horses during their last conversation on April 6. Dental records confirmed the body found at Lake Mead as Frehner’s a day after its discovery.

Prior to his disappearance, a video had circulated on social media showing Frehner mistreating a young horse by kicking it, choking it with a lasso, and punching it. Frehner later apologized, explaining that he was trying to help the horse breathe and get anesthetized. Reports indicated that Frehner was facing felony animal abuse charges at the time of his disappearance. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

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