Rachel Merchant-Ly: 'Exceptional' kindergarten teacher found dead in Oregon river after disappearing in February
DOUGLAS COUNTY, OREGON: Rachel Merchant-Ly, 27, a kindergarten teacher, was found deceased in an Oregon river nearly two months after she disappeared following a car accident, according to reports.
Merchant-Ly was reported missing on February 29 when she failed to arrive at Glide Elementary School, as stated by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post, Douglas County Sheriff's Office stated.
How did the Sheriff's office trace Rachel Merchant-Ly?
"Later that morning, a Douglas County Sheriff's deputy located signs of a motor vehicle crash near milepost 41 on Highway 138E," the sheriff's office said.
"On Friday, March 1, 2024, Merchant-Ly's vehicle was recovered from the North Umpqua River, but she was not found inside," the sheriff's office wrote further, reported People.
The searchers continued to look for Merchant-Ly by land, water, and air conducting numerous searches but she wasn't found.
On April 19, 2024, search and rescue teams, along with community volunteers, conducted further searches.
A community member discovered a deceased body approximately 7.5 miles downstream from the crash site. The body was identified as hers by the Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office.
Rachel Merchant-Ly was an 'exceptional teacher' and a 'beacon of light'
The GoFundMe, set up in March, described Rachel as an "exceptional teacher" who taught at Glide Elementary School.
Her family had remained in a "steadfast hope" during her search but "enveloped in a whirlwind of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and an unwavering sense of solidarity,"
The fundraiser described Rachel as "not just a teacher," but a "beacon of light in our community a pillar of strength, and a cherished friend to many."
It said, "Rachel finds solace in nature, and her passion for the outdoors is infectious. Her dedication to her students, her family and her community is unparalleled," according to the tribute on the fundraiser.
Rachel Merchant-Ly's family's financial struggles
As Merchant-Ly's family mourned her loss, the fundraiser launched by Jamie Du on behalf of the family has described the weight of Rachel's absence as felt more acutely than ever."
Her mother's car and her husband's truck were "both totaled" due to a winter storm. Hao Ly, Rachel's husband, describes her as an "incredible and cherished soul, with a million-dollar smile," adding "that could light up anyone's day.
"She brought joy to everyone she knew, loving each person for who they are, the fundraiser described. The emotional and financial toll of this tragedy is immense, and Rachel's family is seeking support during this trying time.
By Tuesday, the fundraiser had raised $16,845 from 99 donors from its set goal of $40,000.
