Authorities in Massachusetts have confirmed the tragic death of a 30-year-old woman who went missing while walking her dog on Christmas Eve.
The body of Owen Kasozi was discovered on Christmas Day in Wenham Lake at the J.C. Philips Nature Preserve, according to a statement from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Kasozi had last been seen entering the nature park with her dog the day before.
Investigators believe she accidentally fell into the freezing lake and was unable to escape. Her dog was found safe, and no foul play is suspected. The official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
Kasozi’s family described her as “a vibrant soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone she met” in a GoFundMe campaign set up to honor her memory. “We come to you with heavy hearts to share the devastating loss of our beloved daughter and sister, Owen Kasozi, who tragically passed away on Christmas Day while walking her dog,” the family wrote.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of icy conditions during winter walks. Authorities urge caution when venturing near frozen bodies of water.
Also making national headlines, Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns, 35, tragically lost his life in Will County while working to keep others safe. The accident occurred on the very day designated as “Scott’s Law Day,” a statewide reminder for drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles on the road.
The incident happened just before 10 p.m. as Trooper Carns, a husband and father of two young children, was clearing debris from the southbound lanes of I-55 near Channahon. He was struck by a vehicle driven by 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington. Carns was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly expressed the profound grief felt by the department. “Our trooper was out there trying to make sure more people didn’t get hurt,” Kelly said. “But today, being Christmas Eve, it hurts in a very particular way.”
