Tragic Discovery: Missing Woman Found Deceased in Frozen Lake

The body of 30-year-old Owen Kasozi, a Massachusetts woman who vanished on Christmas Eve while walking her dog, was discovered submerged in Wenham Lake at the J.C. Philips Nature Preserve in Beverly on Christmas Day.

According to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Kasozi was last observed entering the nature preserve around 3 p.m. on December 24. Investigators believe she tragically fell through the frozen lake and was unable to escape the icy waters. No foul play is suspected, with the medical examiner set to confirm the official cause of death.

Kasozi’s dog, fortunately, was found unharmed on Christmas Eve in nearby Topsfield.

Beverly Police Chief John G. LeLacheur offered his sympathies to Kasozi’s family in a formal statement, saying, “On behalf of the Beverly Police Department, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Owen Kasozi. We are grateful to all first responders for their tireless efforts in providing the family a semblance of closure during this arduous time.”

Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker echoed similar sentiments, adding, “This is a heartbreaking conclusion to a search none of us hoped would end this way. We deeply appreciate the dedication of law enforcement teams who worked relentlessly over the holiday to locate Owen. Our thoughts are with her family as they navigate this immense loss.”

Kasozi’s family has created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the unexpected funeral expenses. In their message, they honored her as “a vibrant soul who brought immense joy and laughter to everyone fortunate enough to know her.”

The family recounted the devastating details of her passing: “Owen tragically fell into the lake while walking her dog and succumbed to the freezing temperatures, leaving us in a state of profound sorrow and disbelief.”

Describing Kasozi’s essence, they wrote, “Her zest for life was infectious, and she had an extraordinary ability to make people around her feel cherished and valued. She adored her family and friends, and her absence creates an irreplaceable void in our lives.”