A tragic story has shaken the small community of Brightwood, Oregon. Michel Fournier, a 71-year-old man, is accused of killing his wife, 61-year-old Susan Lane-Fournier, just weeks after she filed for divorce. The heartbreaking events unfolded when Susan, along with her two dogs, went missing on November 22. She never showed up for work that day, raising alarms.
The couple had been married for 12 years, but trouble had been brewing. In the days leading up to her disappearance, Susan reportedly expressed fear for her safety and that of her beloved dogs. Her concerns tragically became reality when her body was found days later near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in Clackamas County, close to Welches. Authorities confirmed her death was a homicide.
The search for Susan lasted four long days. Her truck was discovered earlier in the Mount Hood National Forest area, but the two dogs remain missing. The discovery of her body brought devastating news to those holding out hope for a different outcome.
Michel Fournier is now in custody at the Clackamas County Jail, charged with second-degree murder. He is being held without bail as investigators work to uncover the full story behind this tragedy.
A local group called “Team Phoenix,” which had been tirelessly searching for Susan—fondly nicknamed “Phoenix”—expressed their grief on Facebook after her body was found. “The mission for justice has begun,” the group wrote. “This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but we knew this might happen.”
The community is coming together to honor Susan’s memory. A candlelight vigil is planned for Monday, December 2, at 6 p.m. at Hoodland Bazaar in Welches. Friends, family, and neighbors hope to find comfort and healing through the event. Cari Gesch, a close friend of Susan, shared, “We don’t want her death to mean nothing. Phoenix’s light should shine brighter. Maybe this tragedy can inspire positive change.”
Authorities are still searching for the missing dogs, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
This heartbreaking story has left a community grieving but determined to honor Susan’s memory and seek justice for her.
