Police have confirmed the cause of death for a couple found dead just hours after a Facebook post about their honeymoon.
Rachel Dumovich, 29, and her husband, Brandon Dumovich, 30, were discovered on October 6 inside a vehicle on Route 14 in Harvard, Illinois.
A police officer had noticed the car with its hazard lights flashing and found Rachel in the driver’s seat and Brandon in the passenger seat. Both had suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
Cause of Death
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds, according to Fox News Digital. Each had sustained a single gunshot to the head.
While police have suggested that a murder-suicide is a potential scenario, "no final determination" has been made.
Local authorities emphasized that “this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no evidence to suggest that there is any danger or threat to the public.” A brief shelter-in-place order was issued and lifted shortly after the discovery.
Final Facebook post recalls honeymoon in Greece
Rachel and Brandon first met in middle school when Rachel was 12 years old. “I caught Brandon's attention by stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it,” she wrote on their wedding page on The Knot, cited by The Mirror.
They reconnected 15 years later, began dating in 2022, and were married on October 12, 2024, at Big Cedar Lake in Wisconsin.
On the day of their tragic deaths, Rachel shared a photo and message on Facebook reflecting on their honeymoon in Greece: “Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece,” she penned.
The young woman's public obituary described her as a “beloved daughter… and cherished sister,” who lived “with as much love, courage, and passion as any person ever could.”
"Known for her drive, ambition, and passion, Rachel was a natural connector, advocate, and loyal friend. 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."
"Following graduation, she began a career in Human Resources, quickly advancing to become Human Resources Manager for Climate Pros, LLC, where she was employed for nearly four years. Her colleagues shared that there has been an outpouring of love, respect, and admiration for her, a testament to the profound impact she made in her professional life," they added.
Brandon, born in Barrington, Illinois, had served as a petty officer in the US Navy and was honored for his “extraordinary ability to lift spirits and bring people together.”
"A man of many interests and boundless energy, Brandon found joy in all things motorized. Whether he was RC flying through open skies, boating across tranquil waters, snowmobiling through winter trails, or heading out for a day of fishing or hunting, he embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and skill. His love for animals was unwavering and spoke to his compassionate nature," the obituary read.
Authorities have not released any additional details about the circumstances leading to the couple’s deaths.