Las Vegas veterinarian died by suicide, coroner says

A Las Vegas equine veterinarian whose body was found at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area died by suicide, the Clark County coroner’s office said Wednesday.

Shawn Frehner, 56, was reported missing April 6 after a Pahrump resident accused him of mistreating her horse. A video circulated on social media showed a man purported to be Shawn Frehner interacting with the horse named Big Red and at one point kicking it in the jaw when it was on the ground. Frehner died from drowning and pentobarbital use, the coroner’s office said.

A missing persons report released by the Metropolitan Police on April 10 stated that Frehner left behind his wallet, keys and a cellphone inside his unoccupied truck found at the Hemenway Harbor at Lake Mead.

Authorities said Frehner’s body was found on April 18 near the Boulder Islands within Lake Mead, and he was identified using dental records.

Days before the search for Shawn Frehner, a criminal complaint filed by Pahrump resident Shawna Gonzalez alleged he had mistreated her horse.

Those posts shared by Gonzalez include what purports to be a lengthy apology and explanation by Shawn Frehner of what happened. He described Big Red as a wild horse that was dangerously aggressive and unresponsive to sedatives he had administered to prepare him for gelding.

If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line is a free, national service available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.

Contact Casey Harrison at charrison@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Casey_Harrison1 on X or @casey-harrison.bsky.social on Bluesky.