Kansas grade school teacher found dead in snow after going missing in winter freeze
It was close to midnight on Friday when Rebecca Rauber, 28, a second-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School in Emporia, Kansas, walked from a local bar, Town Royal, at 405 Commercial St., leaving her purse, her phone and her jacket behind.
About 11:45 p.m., video would capture her walking north into the teeth of subfreezing weather, wind chills diving toward negative 10 degrees.
She was not to be seen again.
On Sunday, just after 5 p.m., following a search by multiple law enforcement jurisdictions, the Emporia Police Department reported that Rauber had been found dead not far away, covered in snow, only 300 yards from where video last captured her movements.
“Rebecca was located in a wooded area,” the police said in a printed statement Sunday. “At this time, it appears, Rebecca may have succumbed to hypothermia early on in her disappearance, as she was covered in snow due to the snowstorm that became heavy on Saturday, January 24th.”
Police said Rauber’s next of kin had been notified. On Monday, the Emporia Church of Christ, 501 W. 12th St., is scheduled to hold a “Community Wide Night of Prayer” for Rauber beginning at 5 p.m.
School district statement on Rebecca Rauber
“Our hearts are with Ms. Rauber’s family, friends, students, and all who were touched by her life and dedication to education,” the Emporia Public School District, USD 253, said in a statement.
“She was a valued member of our school community, and her loss is felt deeply across our district. At this time, we are focused on supporting our students and staff as they process this difficult news. Counselors and district support teams will be available at our schools to provide care and assistance for anyone who may need it.”
The teacher was found with the assistance of a K-9 bloodhound unit, police said.
Teacher reported missing
The Emporia police first released a missing persons alert at 1:13 a.m Saturday, shortly after Rauber went missing. The police viewed business surveillance cameras to track her movements, which showed her walking along W. 5th Ave.
From there, residents’ video would spot her at 11:37 walking north on Neosho Street. Police broke into a search teams and put out a call for community assistance and for anyone within a three- or four-block radius of 5th Avenue and Neosho Street to review their security camera footage.
At 2:40 p.m. Sunday, the search continued, joined in their efforts by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue of Kansas and the Lyon County Communications Center. Police sent out a notice asking individuals to avoid walking, driving or otherwise entering the areas where K-9 bloodhound teams were searching.
“Our hearts and prayers are truly with the Rauber family,” Emporia Police wrote early Sunday evening, as detectives processed the scene and continued their investigation.
On Sunday, family, friend and colleagues posted their feelings of shock, grief and appreciation for knowing Rauber..
“Oh dear Rebecca,” wrote one. “How is this possible . . .I don’t even have the words. . .. I;ve gone through the 100’s and 100’s of pictures I’ve taken and I just keep looking at your beautiful smile and keep thinking about your infectious laugh! You were such a beautiful soul. . .The sky has finally opened — fly high dear! Give your mom a hug for us. . .Love you.”
Another wrote, “Rebecca Rauber had the most radiant smile, and bodacious laugh that could light up a room. I was lucky to have the opportunity to be in her orbit.”
A former mentor wrote online, “ I got to know her and see first hand what an absolute treasure of a person and amazing educator she was. Becca will be remembered for the genuine connection she made with people, her bubbly personality, and how she was loved by all.”
This story was originally published January 26, 2026 at 12:20 PM.
