On January 25, 2026, authorities in Emporia, Kansas, confirmed the discovery of the body of 28-year-old elementary school teacher Rebecca Rauber, who had been missing since January 23. Located in a wooded area, preliminary reports from the Emporia Police Department indicate the suspected cause of death is hypothermia, pending an official autopsy. The investigation is currently focused on establishing a definitive timeline of her disappearance, though no immediate signs of foul play have been reported by detectives.
Story Highlights
- The body of missing 28-year-old elementary school teacher Rebecca Rauber was confirmed found by police in Emporia, Kansas, on January 25, 2026.
- She was last observed leaving a local bar around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, January 23.
- She left behind personal items, including her phone, keys, jacket, and purse, according to family reports.
- An autopsy has been ordered to confirm the official cause and time of death, though no immediate signs of foul play have been reported by detectives.
Police Confirm Discovery, Investigation Focuses on Timeline
On January 25, 2026, the Emporia Police Department confirmed the discovery of the body of Rebecca Rauber, a missing elementary school teacher. Rauber, 28, was located in a wooded area in the 700 block of West 4th Avenue in Emporia. The area is approximately 300 yards from where she was last seen. Official reports indicate she was found covered in snow following a heavy snowstorm that began on January 24.
The timeline of disappearance, as established by law enforcement, indicates Rauber was last observed leaving a local establishment around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, January 23. Surveillance footage showed her walking near the bar at approximately 11:37 p.m. Family members reported that she did not have her phone, keys, jacket, or purse with her when she left.
The search operation involved the Emporia Police Department, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Search and Rescue of Kansas. Hundreds of community members also assisted by volunteering to review their home surveillance footage. Detectives located her after reviewing additional surveillance footage on Sunday.
Authorities in Emporia say a woman was found dead in the snow days after she was reported missing.
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— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) January 26, 2026
Autopsy Ordered for Official Determination
Preliminary police reports indicate that Rauber likely succumbed to hypothermia early in her disappearance. While hypothermia is the suspected cause, an autopsy has been ordered to officially confirm the exact cause and time of death. Law enforcement officials from the Emporia Police Department and KBI are continuing to process the scene, though no immediate signs of foul play were reported. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities process all available information.
Emporia elementary teacher found deceased after disappearance
Community Response
The Emporia Public School District (USD 253) released a statement expressing profound grief over the confirmed loss, noting Rauber was a “valued member of our school community.” Counselors and district support teams were made available at Riverside Elementary starting Monday, January 26, to provide assistance to students and staff.
Watch the report: Emporia elementary teacher found deceased after disappearance
Sources
- Elementary school teacher found dead in snow after going missing, police say.
- Emporia elementary teacher found deceased after disappearance.
- Elementary school teacher found dead in snow after going missing, police say
