A stray dog found wet in the freezing cold on Christmas Eve led police to his owner, who tragically died after falling into a pond in Massachusetts.
Owen Kasozi, 30, was walking her beloved dog named Bokka, a four-year-old Aussie Shepherd, at JC Phillips Nature Preserve in the Boston suburb of Beverly around 3 p.m. Tuesday when she disappeared.
Her concerned family called the police and filed a missing person report. The Beverly Police Department, Beverly Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police searched the area by helicopter and on foot for the young woman.
Bokka was found hours later in a town called Topsfied, about eight kilometers from the nature reserve, soaking wet and freezing.
Beverly Police Chief John G. LeLacheur and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced the grim news on Christmas Day that Kasozi had died and her body was found in Wenham Lake in Beverly.
Alexandria Nakato told DailyMail.com that Owen was her younger sister but was too sad to speak.
In a Facebook post she wrote ‘my beautiful sister is gone’ less than 24 hours after she went missing.
Owen Kasozi, 30, tragically died on Christmas Eve after walking her dog at a nature reserve
A beautiful photo of Owen with her 4-year-old Aussie shepherd mix named Bokka
It is unclear whether the blue-eyed, brown-eyed dog suffered from hypothermia due to the tragic event.
The area in which Kasozi was located is believed to be a popular dog walking location.
Authorities believe the young woman may have been chasing her dog when she fell into the icy lake and was unable to free herself.
No foul play is expected at this time and the official cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, according to a news release.
The Essex County District Attorney’s Office said, “This is not the search result anyone was hoping for.”
“We appreciate the efforts of all of our law enforcement partners who worked diligently on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to locate Owen Kasozi. “Our thoughts are with her family as they begin to come to terms with this painful loss,” he said.
Kasozi’s sister wrote in one GoFundMe about the terrible tragedy.
“In a heartbreaking accident, she fell into a pond in the park and succumbed to the cold, leaving us all in shock and grief,” Nakato wrote.
A photo of Wenham Lake, where the Christmas Eve tragedy occurred
Kasozi rides with her beloved dog who survived the tragedy
“Owen was a vibrant soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. Her passion for life was contagious and she had the unique ability to make those around her feel valued and loved.
“She cherished her family and friends deeply, and her absence will be deeply felt in our lives.”
The family is planning a funeral service for Kasozi on Friday and is reaching out to the community to help them cover unexpected funeral costs.
“Your contributions, no matter how small, will allow us to give her a dignified farewell during this difficult time,” Nakato wrote in part. “We deeply appreciate your support and compassion
As of Thursday afternoon, nearly $7,400 has been raised toward their $30,000 goal.