A young Wisconsin couple were tragically found dead inside a car in northern Illinois on October 6 — just days away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary.
Authorities are now investigating the shocking circumstances behind their deaths.
Middle-school sweethearts
Rachel and Brandon Dumovich’s love story began long before their wedding day.
The Wisconsin couple met as middle school classmates, and Rachel recalled on their wedding page on The Knot: “I caught Brandon’s attention by stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it.”
The couple remained friends for 15 years before reconnecting and starting to date in 2022. Brandon proposed in the summer of 2023 at Big Cedar Lake in Slinger, Wisconsin — a place with special meaning for Rachel and her family. The following year, on October 12, 2024, they exchanged vows surrounded by loved ones.
”We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our love story surrounded by our friends and family!” Rachel wrote when she announced the wedding.
Friends and relatives described them as inseparable, sharing a love for travel, the outdoors, and quiet evenings with their two dogs, Dash and Cedar.
But now, they’re gone forever.
Hazard lights flashing
Just before midnight on October 6, a officer approached their stopped vehicle in Harvard, Illinois, after noticing hazard lights flashing. A couple was found inside, both deceased. Police initially issued an alert, asking residents to remain sheltered in place due to the heavy police presence. They later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the community.
The Harvard Police Department later identified the victims as Rachel Noel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Peter Dumovich, 30, both from Sharon, Wisconsin.
Each had sustained a single gunshot wound, and authorities say a gun was recovered at the scene. Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman confirmed to Fox News that the investigation is ongoing.
”While a murder-suicide is a potential scenario, no final determination has been made,” he said.
Hours before her death, Rachel had posted this on Facebook: ”Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece.” The post appeared to hint at the couple’s honeymoon, according to Fox News.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office is performing autopsies and toxicology testing, with the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) supporting forensic analysis.
”A strong sense of empathy”
As police work to uncover what really happened, the victims’ families and friends remain in shock. Rachel’s obituary described her as a loyal friend who loved cooking, fashion, decorating, and spending time by the water:
”She had a strong sense of empathy, compassion, social justice, and fair play, always championing those who needed a voice. With her exuberant spirit, quick wit, and unfiltered humor, she brought energy and laughter to every room she entered.”
After high school, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and most recently worked as Human Resources Manager at Climate Pros, LLC.
Brandon served in the U.S. Navy, earning the rank of petty officer, and outside of the military, he enjoyed RC flying, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting.
”Brandon proudly served his country as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy. His time in the military reflected his deep commitment to service and his enduring passion for helping others — a quality that remained central throughout his life,” the obituary stated.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431, provide anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at (815) 943-4343, or email [email protected].
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