Body of missing 28-year-old teacher found in woods after snowstorm disappearance

A woman of 28 years of age has been located dead in Kansas following her disappearance after leaving a bar amid a snowstorm, officials reported.

On Sunday (January 25), the Emporia Police Department (EPD) verified in a news release that Rebecca Rauber was found dead about 300 yards south of West 4th Avenue in the town.

Surveillance cameras captured Rauber in the vicinity around 11:44 p.m. local time on Friday (January 23), but there were no sightings afterwards.

According to the Kansas station KWCH, Rauber worked as an elementary school teacher.

Authorities stated in the release, "Rebecca was found in a forested location. Present information suggests Rebecca might have fallen victim to hypothermia soon after her disappearance as she was covered by snow from the heavy snowstorm that began on Saturday, January 24th."

"The family has been informed," noted the post, revealing that Rauber was discovered with the help of bloodhound "K9 Daisy and her team from K-9 Search & Rescue of Kansas."

A previous update confirmed that the Emporia Police Department was alerted about a missing individual at 1:13am on Saturday (January 24).

The announcement stated, "The alert mentioned that Rebecca Rauber left Town Royal bar, situated on the 400 block of Commercial Street, on foot, leaving her bag, phone, and jacket behind."

"Officers promptly initiated a search and reviewed security camera footage from businesses in the area. Rebecca was seen walking alone heading west on West 5th Avenue," the police reported.

Authorities expressed gratitude to the community "for their extensive support and help during this challenging time," while confirming that Rauber had tragically been found dead in their recent statement.

They mentioned, "We also wish to thank KHP [Kansas Highway Patrol], the sheriff’s office of Lyon County, Kansas Search and Rescue, and the Lyon County Communications Center for their relentless efforts trying to find Rebecca. 

Each agency invested significant manpower and resources, hoping for a positive resolution. We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Rauber family."

The storm has traveled north and eastward, dropping snow across states such as Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, and Oklahoma, and causing freezing rain and ice in Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, and other regions.