Shawn Frehner Obituary-Death News; Dr. Shawn D. Frehner, Missing Veterinarian Found Dead by Suicide in Nevada’s Lake Mead
The body of Shawn Frehner, a veterinarian who had been missing since April 6, was discovered on April 18 in Nevada. The discovery followed an intense search after his truck, found near a harbor at Lake Mead, had been located a day earlier on April 7.
Inside his truck, authorities found Frehner’s keys, wallet, and cellphone, sparking concern over his sudden disappearance. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the body found near the lake the next day, utilizing dental records to verify his identity.
Frehner’s disappearance came amid growing public attention due to an incident that went viral just prior to his vanishing. A disturbing video surfaced online showing Frehner kicking a horse in the face during an exam.
The footage prompted backlash from animal rights groups and led to a formal complaint by the horse’s owner. In the video, Frehner could be seen aggressively kicking the colt, which he later claimed was done to reposition the animal to help it breathe better.
While Frehner expressed regret for the incident, admitting to his actions, he explained that the horse was in distress and his intention had been to help it, not harm it. The viral video, combined with the complaint from the horse’s owner, led to an animal cruelty investigation by Nye County deputies.
The incident raised questions about Frehner’s conduct and brought his practices under scrutiny, particularly in light of his past disciplinary record.
In 2016, Frehner had faced professional consequences for his actions when the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners placed him on probation and suspended his veterinary license for a year.
These disciplinary measures were the result of several violations, including the improper documentation of medical records and the inappropriate handling of prescriptions. The Board’s action had cast a shadow over Frehner’s career, although he had since returned to practice.
Frehner’s father, in his communication with authorities, revealed that the last time he had spoken with his son was on the morning of April 6, the day before Frehner was reported missing.
This detail added to the mystery surrounding his sudden disappearance, as there had been no further contact from Frehner, and no signs of foul play had initially been evident.
While authorities have not yet released the cause or manner of Frehner’s death, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the investigation into the animal cruelty incident have only deepened the public’s interest in the case.
Frehner had been a well-known figure in the veterinary community, but his reputation had become tarnished following the publicized incident with the horse and his prior professional disciplinary actions.
The investigation into his death remains ongoing, with law enforcement authorities working to piece together the events leading to his disappearance and ultimate death.
In the absence of clear answers, the questions surrounding Frehner’s final days continue to captivate both the veterinary community and the public. As the case unfolds, many await further details on whether there was any foul play involved or if his death was related to other personal circumstances.
Frehner’s passing has left his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning. The mixed emotions surrounding his death—ranging from sorrow for his untimely demise to a complex reflection on his professional legacy are likely to persist as more information comes to light.
For now, authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of death, and the community is left grappling with the tragic end of a once-prominent figure in the field of veterinary medicine.
