HARVARD, Ill. — A young Wisconsin couple was tragically discovered dead inside a vehicle in northern Illinois on October 6, just days before they were set to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Rachel Noel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Peter Dumovich, 30, both from Sharon, Wisconsin, shared a love story that began in middle school. Childhood classmates and longtime friends, their bond endured for 15 years before they reconnected romantically in 2022. Rachel once recounted on their wedding page on The Knot that she first caught Brandon’s attention by stealing cologne from his locker as a playful prank.
Brandon proposed in the summer of 2023 at Big Cedar Lake in Slinger, Wisconsin, a location with deep significance for Rachel and her family. The couple exchanged vows on October 12, 2024, surrounded by friends and family. They shared a love of travel, the outdoors, and quiet evenings at home with their two dogs, Dash and Cedar. Friends and relatives described them as inseparable, with a deep affection that permeated every aspect of their life together.
Hazard Lights Signal Tragedy
Shortly before midnight on October 6, a police officer noticed a vehicle stopped in Harvard, Illinois, with its hazard lights flashing. Upon investigation, the officer discovered both Rachel and Brandon deceased inside the car. Initially, police issued a shelter-in-place alert due to the heavy presence at the scene, but later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The couple had each sustained a single gunshot wound, and a firearm was recovered at the scene. Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman told Fox News that the investigation remains ongoing. “While a murder-suicide is a possible scenario, no final determination has been made,” Chief Bauman said. The McHenry County Coroner’s Office is conducting autopsies and toxicology tests, with support from the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) for forensic analysis.
Hours before her death, Rachel posted on Facebook, “Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece,” an apparent reference to the couple’s honeymoon.
Remembering Rachel and Brandon
Friends and family remain in shock at the sudden loss. Rachel’s obituary paints a portrait of a woman defined by compassion and energy: “She had a strong sense of empathy, compassion, social justice, and fair play, always advocating for those who needed a voice. With her exuberant spirit, quick wit, and unfiltered humor, she brought energy and laughter to every room she entered.” Rachel earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and most recently worked as a Human Resources Manager at Climate Pros, LLC.
Brandon, a U.S. Navy veteran who achieved the rank of petty officer, was described as deeply committed to service, a trait that extended beyond his military career. He enjoyed RC flying, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting, embodying the adventurous spirit he shared with Rachel. “Brandon proudly served his country as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy. His military service reflected his deep commitment to serving others, a quality that remained central throughout his life,” his obituary read.
The couple’s tragic deaths, occurring just days before what would have been their first anniversary, have left friends, family, and the community grappling with shock and sorrow as authorities continue their investigation.
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