Now
Fair
48°
High
40°
Low
22°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Search continues for missing Lincoln woman

Comments 44 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

By ZACH PLUHACEK / Lincoln Journal Star

Saturday, Jun 21, 2008 - 11:01:30 pm CDT

Mary Brake was on horseback early Friday evening — fording a fast-moving Colorado creek  —  when the horse she was riding lost its footing.

Both the horse and  Brake, 56, a prominent Lincoln Realtor, tumbled into Beaver Creek and were swept away almost instantly. None of the other riders in the group of six, including Brake’s husband, Gene, president of HomeServices of Nebraska, and their daughter, Bayley,  had time to try to grab her.

“The current of the water was so quick that before Gene knew it she was down,” said Mike Elgert, managing broker for Home Real Estate, a subsidiary of HomeServices. “He made it sound like she went, actually, over a waterfall,” said Elgert, who had spoken with Gene Brake by telephone.

Story Photo
A Jet Bell Ranger OH-58A flown by the Colorado National Guard High Altitude Aviation Training Center conducts an aerial search Saturday morning in Beaver Creek for Mary Brake, a prominent Lincoln Realtor missing since Friday night. (Courtesy photo)

Related Media

An interview with Gene Brake

An interview with Gene Brake, who lost his wife, Mary, last Friday while vacationing in Colorado. Gene speaks about his wife, her impact on the Lincol...

Comments: 0
Rated:

Eagle County Sheriff's Office press release

The Eagle County Sheriff's Office sent a press release detailing their ongoing search for Lincoln woman Mary Brake....

Comments: 0
Rated:

"They did the right thing by not jumping in after her," Eagle County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Shannon Cordingly told the Denver Post.

By Saturday evening, rescuers had searched all the way to where the creek empties into Eagle River, but found no sign of Brake.

They found the horse’s saddle several hundred yards downstream, and found the horse walking around with minor injuries.

The sheriff’s office said rescue workers plan to start searching again at 7 a.m. (MDT) today, after suspending the search at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

“At this point, we are still considering this a rescue,” Cordingly told the Journal Star Saturday evening. “Obviously, we’re pretty close to hitting the 24-hour mark.”

Brake and the horse fell into the water  about 6 p.m. Friday. The Brakes were part of a group  that paid Beaver Creek Stables for a toured ride to Beano's Cabin, a restaurant above the creek on Beaver Creek Mountain that is accessible only by an hour-long horseback ride, by wagon or by a shuttle van.

The Brakes have vacationed before in the area, which is near Vail, Cordingly said, but it wasn’t clear whether Mary Brake was an experienced rider.

There aren’t any actual waterfalls on the creek, Cordingly said. But the water is moving very fast over rough terrain.

“Our search and rescue crews have never gone out on a rescue of this nature,” she said. “It’s definitely been the most dangerous mission they’ve ever been on.”

A few dozen people helped with the search Saturday, after authorities suspended the search Friday night.

Horseback teams, rescue dogs, water rescue teams and a helicopter all were being used to look for Brake. Volunteer rescuers were not allowed to join because of the danger.

The creek is flowing at 100 cubic feet a second, which is equivalent to 44,900 gallons per minute, the Denver Post reported.

"It's going to carry you down pretty fast," Cordingly told the Post.

The sheriff had even considered closing the waterways because of the conditions, Cordingly told the Journal Star. The area received a lot of snow over the winter months, and that has been melting fast.

Brake’s husband and daughter remain in Colorado and have been joined by some members of her extended family.

Elgert, who spoke to Gene Brake Saturday morning, said he didn’t know much about the family’s condition.

“(Gene) simply said what everybody knows — that they have not yet found her,” Elgert said. “Obviously, they’re devastated.”

Reach Zach Pluhacek at 473-7306 or zpluhacek@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Sarah Pearson wrote on June 21, 2008 2:30 pm:
" This just can't be happening. Hundreds of people are praying in Missouri for this precious family. God, please bring her home. "

 Greg wrote on June 21, 2008 3:27 pm:
" How sad it this!! My prayers are with her and her family that she'll be found just shaken and cold. "

 JS wrote on June 21, 2008 4:28 pm:
" "Lord, please help the rescue workers find Mary...lead them to her. Let there be a miracle. Be with the family!" "

 I wrote on June 21, 2008 5:28 pm:
" Father God, your lamb Mary is lost. Please, with your dine leading, direct the paths of those who are looking for her. In Jesus's name, Thank you Father God, amen. "

 vail-local wrote on June 21, 2008 6:20 pm:
" This is very tragic indeed... many of us would help but local authorities have asked that we do not, due to the danger in the water. Beaver Creek, normally a placid little stream a child could wade across, and they often do where it passes through the village, is running at over 100 cubic feet per second due to the melting snow runoff, submerging even the largest boulders in the creek bed. This is the front page news here in Vail today and everyone's thoughts are with the family..... "

 tammy wrote on June 21, 2008 6:21 pm:
" My prayers are with this family in hopes that they find her. "

 Theresa wrote on June 21, 2008 6:51 pm:
" Many people are praying for this family. It is hard to find words to know what to say at this time other than we are thinking and praying for all involved. "

 Diane wrote on June 21, 2008 10:32 pm:
" My heart and my prayers are with the entire Brake family . Mary is a beautiful person and wonderful friend, may the Good Lord hold you in the palm of this hand. "

 St. Joseph family wrote on June 21, 2008 11:14 pm:
" Our thoughts and prayers are with the intire family! We are praying for a miracle! God Bless Mary, and her intire family! "

 BL wrote on June 22, 2008 12:12 am:
" May the family and all those who know and love this woman be comforted. Know the heavens are being bombarded with prayer........ "

 Melissa Meehan wrote on June 22, 2008 12:14 am:
" Cousins in Arizona are praying hard for Mary and her entire family. "

 Lisa wrote on June 22, 2008 12:22 am:
" The St. Joseph Catholic Church community of Lincoln, Ne. is praying for Mary's safe return. Sweet Jesus, guide the rescue workers to Mary. Keep the rescue teams safe as they search for Mary. Lord, Wrap your loving arms around Mary and bring her home to her family. "

 family wrote on June 22, 2008 9:38 am:
" Thanks for all helping in the search for our sister/daughter/aunt/mom/wife and all the prayers of all of you. We are deeply thankful for everything you've done for us even the smallest of prayers have helped us through this hard time. We thank you all from the entire Reese family. "

 angela wrote on June 22, 2008 11:51 am:
" Praying!! "

 mcbt wrote on June 22, 2008 1:49 pm:
" Many (of us) Californians are praying for this family! God bless them! "

 ja wrote on June 22, 2008 3:29 pm:
" We cannot give up hope of her still being alive somewhere on the mountain...until she is found, we cannot give up HOPE. "Lord, tell the rescue workers where to look." "

 twe wrote on June 22, 2008 3:59 pm:
" We're praying in Massachusetts, too. "

 Kristen and Eric wrote on June 22, 2008 4:40 pm:
" We love you all and wrap our arms around you. We are praying for you and for Mary. We are here for you. "

 Derek Kim wrote on June 22, 2008 6:10 pm:
" Mary and your family are in our prayers. We are here for you, for anything, at anytime you may need. "

 RE wrote on June 22, 2008 6:46 pm:
" We, along with many of our friends here in Idaho are praying for a miracle. When we lived in Lincoln, Mary helped us when she was a realtor. God, bless this entire family and bring Mary home safely. "

 Colleen in OKC wrote on June 22, 2008 6:49 pm:
" Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all that this lovely lady will be brought home alive and well. "

 Karla wrote on June 22, 2008 7:10 pm:
" Mary and her family are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless Mary a safe return. "

 Heather Strope wrote on June 22, 2008 7:23 pm:
" Mary sold us our 1st house when my parents and I along with my brother moved back to Lincoln almost 10 years ago. I then ended up baby-sitting Bayley for a good 3 years. Just a month ago Mary was helping me get a job as I am a recent college graduate. My thoughts and prayers are with this family. Mary is a wonderful person and I don't want to see her go. "

 Maryal Boumann wrote on June 22, 2008 8:33 pm:
" I live in Northern California ~ Mary was one of my very best friends in high school. The last time I saw her was at a class reunion in 1995 in Lincoln.
Her sparkling smile, beautiful eyes, zeal for life, love of the LORD and her family and her dedication to her clients are just some of things that make her so special! I join with others FIRST in asking our LORD for a miracle as we know ALL things are possible with Him and secondly, asking the Holy Spirit, our Comforter to wrap His Arms of Peace and Love around Mary's family. I lost another beloved friend two weeks ago, completely unexpected. May we ALL be ready when our JESUS calls us Home....My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Thank you my sister Maryann in Lincoln for sharing this with me....Looking at the photo of Mary in this article (click on the helicopter) makes my heart warm (tears)...Can you see Jesus in her eyes, the window to her soul?! I can. May God bless you~ Maryal+ B. "

 Lizz Doan-Hemme Chris Doan wrote on June 22, 2008 9:03 pm:
" Our deepest sympothy goes out to Gene, Bailey, Kevin, Nate and family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and Mary will be missed by everyone who ever knew her. Loved from Pipestone, Canada to Lincoln, NE! "

 Faulk Family wrote on June 22, 2008 9:52 pm:
" My son was in a class with Bayley at the violin camp this past week... we sat next to Mary a couple of times, and recall how beautiful and sweet she was - warm smile always.
We are horrified that this has happened, and still hold hope that she will be found alive.
our thoughts and prayers are with the Brake family ... and even now that we are home in Laramie Wyoming, we continue to pray and follow this tragic story. "

 Paula wrote on June 22, 2008 10:42 pm:
" We were actually downstream waiting for the shuttle to Beano's restaurant when this tragedy happened. The water was rushing by. As we rode up on the shuttle we saw the first rescue workers arriving. We did not know what was happening. We saw the horses going back down the mountain. We wish we could have done more to help. We are praying for her family and friends. "

 jess wrote on June 22, 2008 10:54 pm:
" Have faith they will find her "

 Maxine wrote on June 23, 2008 5:20 am:
" My prayers are with your family, I hope your love one return safety "

 Kathy wrote on June 23, 2008 8:21 am:
" Our thoughts and prayers to Gene, Bayley, Chuck and the rest of your family. My your memories help bring some peace during this time. May Gad be with you during this time.
Kathy, Jim and Jared "

 Kelly Meehan-Rybacki wrote on June 23, 2008 8:21 am:
" Dear Reese family, we are so sorry. I truly have no words but many great memories of our childhood hanging out with the cousins. All of you are so precious to us. Please feel our prayers and hugs. We love you all.
Kelly,Louis, Madison and Holland Rybacki. "

 karen wrote on June 23, 2008 9:14 am:
" My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this sad time in their lives,give them courage and family in God and they will make it thru this,god bless! "

 Nina wrote on June 23, 2008 9:20 am:
" Mary is in God's keeping, no matter which way it ends. If she has gone to be with the Lord, I pray that Bayley's many relatives and friends reach out to help her through her journey of being a child in grieving to a young woman filled with hope. It truly will take a village...and may Mary's husband, child and extended family know that they are not going it alone. "

 Laurisa wrote on June 23, 2008 9:41 am:
" My families prayers are with this family. "

 LL wrote on June 23, 2008 10:26 am:
" My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mary Brake. This is such a tragedy and I know that Mary was such a genuine, true and nice woman. Thinking of the family. "

 Andrew wrote on June 23, 2008 11:02 am:
" I will keep praying for Mary and family. "

 Friends wrote on June 23, 2008 1:42 pm:
" Mary meant so much to our entire family and has taught us so much, we are grateful for the time God has given us with her, and are so saddened to have lost her. Our prayers are with her daughter and family. Om Ja "

 Candace wrote on June 23, 2008 2:23 pm:
" Gene & Bayley,

I was deeply saddened to hear of the accident. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray that God will lead the recovery team to find Mary and bring her home to you. I also pray that you will find healing and comfort in the arms of our Lord. I am so sorry this has happened. I only knew Mary through our parent conferences, but it was always very evident that she was a loving, caring, and devoted parent. "

 Leasa in Colorado wrote on June 23, 2008 4:22 pm:
" I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss for your family. I just came back the same day from rafting the Arkansas River. For those of you thinking about coming out to Colorado for a river raftung trip, please be aware that the rivers are running very high this year due to snow melt. I rafted the Royal Gorge area and typically this is a level 2 and 3 river, not this weekend, it was certainly mostly 3-4's...maybe a small 5 at the gorge itself. The water is very high and fast this year unlike previous years. Colorado is the best place in the world for vacations, just know what your getting into and please, please know that any water activity at this time is going to be more dangerous because of the water levels and speed. Please get a guide!! I also just came back from the South Platte River yesterday down by Deckers/Sedalia...the Platte is EXTREMELY HIGH as of yesterday, let's just say I would not kayak or raft it currently. It was mostly 4's and 5's. Way too much for me. Again, just trying to let people know what I have experienced in the last two weekends. Please be safe. My love and prayers to the family. "

 Carol Scheinost wrote on June 23, 2008 5:08 pm:
" I worked with Mary and Gene both at Woods Bros. and am horrified to hear about Mary's terrible accident. The Brakes are truly some of the nicest, warmest people you can know. I am deeply saddened by these events and am praying Mary will make it home safe. May God provide the family warmth and solace during this tragic ordeal. We're all praying for her safe return. "

 Janet wrote on June 23, 2008 5:34 pm:
" God bless your family. We were in Vail this weekend and the river is more rapid and full than I have ever seen it. We are praying for you all. My heart goes out to you. "

 sj wrote on June 24, 2008 12:58 am:
" I still can't believe this has happened. In time, let us be comforted knowing that Mary is looking down on us from above, guiding and wanting us to strive for the very best in our lives just as she always did. The world has just lost a spectacular woman-a real class act for the ages. Our deepest sympathies to the Brake and Reese family. Rest assured knowing God's love will prevail in helping to cope with your tragic loss. And thank you, God, for allowing Mary to touch so many of our lives, we are all truly blessed to have had the pleasure to know such a fine lady. "

 Pat from Lake Tahoe wrote on June 24, 2008 1:32 am:
" As friends of one of Mary's cousins ,we are praying for peace and deliverance for her and her entire family. We also send our prayers to Beaver Creek Stables as well, as we're sure they are suffering also. "

 Jay wrote on June 26, 2008 1:53 pm:
" Days go by and no word about the search for Mary Brake whose horse slipped in Beaver Creek (Vail). Is there nothing to be done about finding this lady? The water was incredibly fast and powerful but it's hard to believe she would just vanish! "

Ads by Yahoo!