A dayslong search for a missing Kansas elementary school teacher came to a devastating end when authorities discovered her body in a snow-covered wooded area near where she was last seen.
According to Fox News, Emporia police confirmed Sunday that 28-year-old Rebecca Rauber was found dead roughly 300 yards south of West 4th Avenue, close to the area where surveillance footage last captured her walking alone late Friday night.
Officers, assisted by K-9 units, located Rauber’s body after an intensive search that spanned multiple agencies and dozens of personnel. Police said she was covered in snow when she was found.
Early indications suggest Rauber may have died from hypothermia after temperatures plunged overnight during a powerful winter storm that intensified into Saturday. Investigators emphasized that the case remains under investigation.
Her family has been notified.
Rauber was reported missing early Saturday morning after she failed to return home. Authorities said she left the Town Royal bar in downtown Emporia on foot late Friday night without her phone, purse, or jacket.
Investigators reviewed extensive surveillance footage to trace her final movements.
Police said the video showed Rauber walking westbound on West 5th Avenue late Friday.
Additional residential footage captured her heading north on Neosho Street from West 5th Avenue at approximately 11:37 p.m.
However, video from the intersection of 6th Avenue and Neosho Street did not show her crossing there, raising concerns as investigators worked to piece together her route.
Later review uncovered additional footage showing Rauber in the 700 block of West 4th Avenue at approximately 11:44 p.m. — about 300 yards from where her body was ultimately found.
According to KVOE radio station, temperatures had already dropped into the single digits when Rauber left the bar, with wind chills nearing minus 15 degrees.
In a statement released on its website, the Emporia Police Department thanked the public and multiple agencies for their efforts.
“We want to thank our community for the outpouring of care and assistance during this situation,” the department said. “We also want to thank KHP [Kansas Highway Patrol], Lyon County Sheriff’s office, Search and Rescue of Kansas and the Lyon County Communications Center for their efforts in trying to locate Rebecca. All of the agencies listed poured many hours of manpower, involving many resources in the hope of positive outcome. Our hearts and prayers are truly with the Rauber family.”
Rauber was an elementary school teacher in the Emporia Public Schools district.
USD 253 Director of Community Relations Lyndel Landgren said her death has deeply affected the school community.
“Rebecca was a valued member of our school community, and her loss is felt deeply across our district,” Landgren told Fox News Digital. “At this time, we are focused on supporting our students and staff as they process this difficult news. Counselors and district support teams will be available at our schools to provide care and assistance for anyone who needs it.”
Police said updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
