Rebecca Rauber, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, was found deceased in a wooded area near Emporia, Kansas, after she vanished on the night of January 23. Police say she may have succumbed to hypothermia during a severe snowstorm that swept the region. The case underscores the dangers of winter weather and the importance of quick search responses.
At a Glance
- Rebecca Rauber discovered 300 yards south of West 4th Avenue.
- Missing after leaving a bar on January 23.
- Investigation points to hypothermia amid Winter Storm Fern.
- Why it matters: Highlights risks of outdoor exposure during extreme weather.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| January 23 | 11:37 p.m. | Video shows Rauber walking north on Neosho Street from West 5th Avenue |
| January 23 | 11:44 p.m. | Additional footage captures Rauber near West 4th Avenue |
| January 24 | 1:13 a.m. | Emporia Police receive missing-person report; Rauber left Town Royal bar without purse, phone, or jacket |
| January 24 | 1:30 a.m. (approx.) | Officers begin search, reviewing business surveillance and residential footage |
| January 24 | Heavy snowfall | Winter Storm Fern intensifies, covering the area in snow |
| January 25 | 3:00 a.m. | Body located by K-9 team; police confirm death |
Investigation and Search Efforts
The Emporia Police Department (EPD) confirmed Rauber’s disappearance in a release posted at 1:13 a.m. on January 24. Officers immediately canvassed the bar’s vicinity and accessed surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Video evidence showed Rauber walking alone westbound on West 5th Avenue and later north on Neosho Street.
K-9 Search & Rescue of Kansas deployed bloodhound K9 Daisy and her team to the wooded area where Rauber’s body was found. The search effort involved:
- Kansas Highway Patrol
- Lyon County Sheriff’s Office
- Lyon County Communications Center
- EPD detectives processing the scene
The department thanked the community for “the outpouring of care and assistance” and noted that the investigation is still ongoing. No foul play has been indicated, and police emphasize the likelihood of hypothermia as the cause of death.
Weather Conditions
Winter Storm Fern brought multiple inches of snow and ice to Kansas and surrounding states. The storm, driven by an arctic air mass and a polar vortex, began on Friday, January 23, and is expected to continue into the Northeast until Monday, January 26. Temperatures dropped to dangerously frigid levels, contributing to power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents.
The heavy snowfall on Saturday, January 24, created a hazardous environment. Rauber’s body was covered in snow, and police said she “may have succumbed to hypothermia early on in her disappearance” as the storm intensified.
Similar weather conditions have been linked to other deaths across the country. For example, New York City officials suspect the storm may have contributed to five deaths over the weekend, and the Louisiana Department of Health reported two men who died from hypothermia in Caddo Parish.
Community Response
The Emporia Police Department expressed gratitude to the community for their support. Officers highlighted the role of local volunteers and the dedication of search-and-rescue teams. The town’s residents rallied to assist in the search and to provide comfort to Rauber’s family.
Families of the missing and deceased have urged neighbors to remain vigilant during severe weather. Local schools have also issued advisories to ensure students are safe during winter storms.
Key Takeaways
- The rapid response by multiple law-enforcement agencies was crucial in locating Rauber’s body.
- Winter Storm Fern’s extreme conditions underscore the need for preparedness during severe weather events.
Meta Description: A 28-year-old teacher, Rebecca Rauber, was found dead in Kansas after vanishing during Winter Storm Fern. Police say hypothermia likely caused her death. The case highlights the dangers of severe winter weather.
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