This is an update to our previous article regarding the search for Rachel Merchant-Ly.
Douglas County, Oregon- Yesterday, the body of Rachel Merchant-Ly, a 27-year-old kindergarten teacher from Idleyld Park, was recovered from the North Umpqua River.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue led a large-scale search effort on April 19, 2024, in ongoing attempts to locate Merchant-Ly, who was reported missing on February 29, 2024, when she failed to arrive at her workplace, Glide Elementary School.
Following a motor vehicle crash near milepost 41 on Highway 138E, Merchant-Ly’s vehicle was discovered in the North Umpqua River on March 1, 2024. However, she was not found inside, initiating extensive search operations by land, water, and air, which remained unsuccessful until today.
Searchers from Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, alongside teams from Jackson County and Lane County Search and Rescue, collaborated on April 19, 2024, to intensify search efforts. Additionally, volunteer rafting groups and community members joined forces, aligning their efforts with the Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., a volunteer from the community located a deceased body approximately 7.5 miles downstream from the crash site. Deputies confirmed the discovery and commenced recovery procedures. The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified the body as that of Rachel Merchant-Ly.
Sheriff John Hanlin expressed gratitude towards the deputies, SAR volunteers, agency partners, and community members for their relentless efforts in the search. He conveyed personal communication with Merchant-Ly’s family, who expressed deep appreciation for the collective endeavor to find her.
Throughout the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office received assistance from various entities, including Douglas County, Jackson County, and Lane County Search and Rescue teams, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Pacific Power, Weekly Brothers, North Umpqua Outfitters, Northwest Rafters Association, Douglas County Fire District #2, and the dedicated community volunteers.
The recovery of Rachel Merchant-Ly’s body marks a somber conclusion to the extensive search efforts. No additional information was released by authorities at this time.
Source: DCSO
