Hailey
The small city of Emporia, Kansas, is in shock after Rebecca Rauber, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, was found dead in a wooded area following a winter snowstorm.
Rauber went missing late Friday night, and authorities discovered her body two days later near where she was last seen.
This tragedy has left her family, friends, and the local school community heartbroken, and police continue to investigate the exact circumstances of her death.
The Timeline of Rebecca Rauber’s Disappearance
Rebecca Rauber was last seen leaving the Town Royal bar late on Friday night without her phone, purse, or jacket. Surveillance footage shows her walking alone along West 5th Avenue, heading west.
Here is a clear timeline of events:
| Date & Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday, ~11:37 p.m. | Rauber seen walking north on Neosho Street from West 5th Avenue |
| Friday, ~11:44 p.m. | Seen on 700 block of West 4th Avenue, 300 yards from where she was found |
| Saturday | Family reports her missing; search begins |
| Sunday | Body found by police with K-9 teams near West 4th Avenue |
Police reported that temperatures were extremely low, in the single digits, with wind chills reaching -15 degrees, making the conditions very dangerous.
How Authorities Responded
The Emporia Police Department led the search, with help from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and Search and Rescue teams.
In a statement, police said:
“We want to thank our community for the outpouring of care and assistance during this situation. All agencies poured many hours of work, hoping for a positive outcome. Our hearts and prayers are truly with the Rauber family.”
The search included reviewing multiple surveillance videos, checking residential areas, and using K-9 units to track her movements.
Cause of Death
Preliminary reports suggest that Rebecca Rauber succumbed to hypothermia in the early hours after leaving the bar during the snowstorm. The area where she was found was covered in snow, and the cold temperatures likely played a major role in her death.
Authorities continue to investigate and have informed her family about the ongoing findings.
Impact on the School Community
Rebecca Rauber was a beloved teacher at USD 253 Emporia Public Schools. The Director of Community Relations, Lyndel Landgren, said:
“She was a valued member of our school community, and her loss is deeply felt across our district. We are focused on supporting our students and staff as they process this difficult news. Counselors and district support teams are available to provide care and assistance.”
The school has opened support channels to help students, teachers, and families cope with this tragic loss.
How the Community Reacted
Neighbors and residents expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Many offered support to her family and shared memories of Rauber’s kindness and dedication as a teacher. The city continues to come together in mourning while hoping the investigation provides closure.
The sudden loss of Rebecca Rauber is a tragedy for her family, the school, and the entire Emporia community. This incident highlights the dangers of extreme cold and the importance of staying safe during snowstorms.
Authorities continue their investigation to understand all circumstances surrounding her death, and the community continues to offer support to those affected. Her memory will live on in the hearts of students, colleagues, and friends who loved her deeply.