10 Photos of Rachel and Brandon Dumovich, the Wisconsin Couple Tragically Found Dead in Their Car

A tragic discovery has stunned communities in Illinois and Wisconsin as investigators work to untangle what led to the deaths of Rachel Dumovich (29) and Brandon Dumovich (30), a young married couple found dead in a vehicle along a roadway in Harvard, Illinois. The pair, originally from Sharon, Wisconsin, was discovered on the night of October 6, 2025, with preliminary evidence pointing to fatal gunshot wounds.

At approximately 11:45 p.m., a Harvard, Illinois police officer noticed a car stopped on Route 14 (Division Street) near Burbank Street. The vehicle had its hazard lights on, prompting the officer to investigate what was presumed to be a disabled motorist assist.

Upon approach, the officer found both occupants — Rachel in the driver's seat and Brandon in the passenger seat — unresponsive. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The McHenry County Coroner's Office revealed that both individuals sustained a single gunshot wound. A firearm was also recovered inside the vehicle.

Due to the circumstances, the McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team (MIAT) has been activated to support the investigation alongside local law enforcement.

The bodies of Rachel and Brandon were found just days shy of their first wedding anniversary. They got married on October 12, 2024. Their love story dates back to early roots: Rachel shared on her wedding website that she and Brandon first met as 12-year-olds, recounting a playful moment when she stole cologne from his locker and ran away. Over the years, they remained friends and reconnected romantically in 2022.

Friends and family describe them as adventurous, close, and loving. They shared a passion for travel, the outdoors, and cherished quiet evenings together.

Professionally, Rachel held a position in human resources, while Brandon served in the US Navy before pursuing his personal interests in boating, flying remote-control aircraft, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting.

At this phase, authorities are considering murder-suicide as a possible scenario but caution that no definitive conclusion has been reached.
Autopsies and toxicology testing are underway at the McHenry County Coroner's Office.

Following the discovery, local residents were initially alerted to shelter in place due to the visible police activity. Officials later clarified that there was no apparent ongoing threat to the public.

Investigators are urging anyone with information — no matter how small — to come forward. Tips can be directed to the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431, or submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at (815) 943-4343.

As the investigation progresses, updates may follow from law enforcement, the coroner's office, or MIAT. For now, the community mourns two lives lost under painful and unresolved circumstances.