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Authorities in Illinois have disclosed the cause of death for a newlywed couple who were discovered in their vehicle just days before their wedding anniversary celebration was planned.
In Harvard, Illinois, police reported that the couple was found when an officer, on October 6, came across a car with its hazard lights flashing. Upon inspection, the officer discovered both individuals deceased inside the vehicle.
The deceased were identified as Rachel Dumovich, aged 29, and her husband, Brandon Dumovich, aged 30, both residents of Sharon, Wisconsin, according to a representative from the McHenry County Coroner’s Office, speaking to Fox News Digital.
Rachel and Brandon Dumovich were discovered less than a week before they were set to mark their wedding anniversary. (Facebook/Rachel Dumovich)
The coroner’s office spokesperson informed Fox News Digital that preliminary results indicate both Rachel and Brandon succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head. Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman mentioned to Fox News Digital that the investigation remains active, noting, “Although a murder-suicide is one possible explanation, a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached.”
Full results from an autopsy conducted by the coroner’s office haven’t yet been released.
Police initially said both people had gunshot wounds, adding a gun was found inside the car. The McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team was activated for the incident.
While police told nearby residents to shelter in place after finding the dead couple, it was “later determined there was no ongoing threat to the community.”
According to her obituary, Rachel Noel Dumovich, 29, was described by loved ones as a loyal friend who loved cooking, fashion, decorating and spending time by the water. (DeFiore Funeral Home)
A wedding page on The Knot made by Rachel described the couple as “middle school sweethearts.”
Rachel described that she met Brandon in middle school when she was 12 years old and caught his attention by “stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it.”
The two stayed in “touch through many life stages and 15 years of friendship,” Rachel wrote, sharing that they began dating in 2022.
Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, got married in October 2024. (The Knot/Rachel Dumovich)
Brandon proposed in the summer of 2023 at Big Cedar Lake near Slinger, Wisconsin, where the pair got married on Oct. 12, 2024.
“We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our love story surrounded by our friends and family!” Rachel wrote in announcing the wedding.
Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich met in middle school. (Facebook/Rachel Dumovich)
Hours before her death, Rachel posted on Facebook: “Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece.” The post appeared to reference the couple’s honeymoon.
People with any information are asked to contact the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431 or provide information anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at (815) 943-4343 or email crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org.
Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to the report.
