Police Finds Body Believed To Be Breeanna Ward

The search for former Richland County resident Breeanna Ward apparently came to a sad and tragic end on Sunday.

The Williston Police Department reports that approximately at 1:44 p.m. on Sunday, officers were dispatched to the 400 Block of 11th Ave W. for a report of an unresponsive person who was believed to be deceased.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased individual matching the description of Ward, who was reported missing on Feb. 28, 2024. Positive identification has yet to be made. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this individual's death is currently ongoing. Ward was born on April 23, 1996.

Travis Bateman, Badlands Search and Rescue, extends deepest condolences to the friends and family.

Badlands SAR worked in conjunction with Breeanna Ward's family to conduct a search in the Williston area on April 27. Several searches were then conducted May 11, in northwest McKenzie County, with the assistance of three K9 teams from Search and Rescue Dogs of the United States and in collaboration with the McKenzie County Sheriff's Office.

"We thank the three K9 teams and their handlers that came to assist from as far away as Grand Junction and Boulder, Colo., and Bozeman, Mont.," Bateman said. "We certainly must also thank the investigations team and patrol deputies from the McKenzie County Sheriff's Office that greatly aided in our efforts on May 11."

Bateman added, "As the loved ones state in their Facebook posting regarding this development, we also ask that people refrain from rumors and gossip. Allow the investigators at the Williston Police Department, who have been tenacious and diligent beyond reproach in this case, do their work and allow the agency to update with factual information as it can be released."

The Williston Police Department is working to gather all relevant information and will provide updates as they become available. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is urged to contact the Williston Police Department at 701-577-1212