Cause of Death Revealed for Newlywed Couple Found Dead in Car Days Before Anniversary

Officials in Illinois have revealed the cause of death for Rachel and Brandon Dumovich, a newlywed couple found dead inside their car just days before their first wedding anniversary. The couple, aged 29 and 30, were discovered on October 6 in Harvard, Illinois, with preliminary reports confirming both died from gunshot wounds to the head.

The heartbreaking discovery came less than a week before the pair, who were middle school sweethearts, were set to celebrate one year of marriage. Police said an officer initially approached the parked vehicle after noticing its hazard lights flashing and found the couple deceased inside.

Officials Confirm Gunshot Wounds as Cause of Death

According to the McHenry County Coroner’s Office, early findings indicate both Rachel and Brandon Dumovich died from gunshot wounds to the head. Authorities also confirmed a firearm was recovered from the vehicle. While investigators say a murder-suicide is a possible scenario, no final determination has been made, and a full autopsy report is still pending.

Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman told reporters that the investigation remains ongoing and that the McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team was activated to assist with the case. Initially, residents in the area were advised to shelter in place, but authorities later stated there was no ongoing threat to the community.

The couple, residents of Sharon, Wisconsin, had been deeply connected since childhood. Rachel and Brandon met in middle school when Rachel famously stole cologne from Brandon’s locker to get his attention. After years of friendship, they began dating in 2022. Brandon proposed in the summer of 2023, and the couple married on October 12, 2024, at Big Cedar Lake in Wisconsin.

Rachel described their love story on their wedding page as a journey through “many life stages and 15 years of friendship.” In the days leading up to their deaths, she shared a Facebook post reading, “Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece,” referencing their honeymoon.

Tragic Loss Leaves Community in Mourning

The deaths of Rachel and Brandon Dumovich have shocked their community and loved ones. Rachel, described in her obituary as a “loyal friend who loved cooking, fashion, decorating, and spending time by the water,” was remembered for her kindness and vibrant spirit. The couple’s story — from teenage sweethearts to newlyweds — has drawn widespread sympathy online.

The tragedy has also sparked conversations about mental health and the importance of support systems. While officials have not confirmed the circumstances surrounding their deaths, the possibility of a murder-suicide underscores the urgent need for awareness and resources related to mental health and crisis intervention.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Harvard Police Department or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Meanwhile, family, friends, and community members continue to grieve a devastating loss that came just days before what should have been a joyful milestone for the couple.

The cause of death for Rachel and Brandon Dumovich — gunshot wounds to the head — has been officially confirmed by investigators, but the full circumstances remain under investigation. As authorities work to uncover what happened, the community remembers the couple’s enduring love story and mourns the tragic end to their lives together.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the cause of death for Rachel and Brandon Dumovich?

Preliminary findings show both died from gunshot wounds to the head. A firearm was found in the vehicle.

Q2: Where were Rachel and Brandon found?

They were discovered inside a parked car in Harvard, Illinois, on October 6, 2025, days before their first anniversary.

Q3: Are police treating this as a murder-suicide?

Authorities say a murder-suicide is one possible scenario but have not made a final determination. The investigation is ongoing.

Q4: How did Rachel and Brandon meet?

They met in middle school when Rachel caught Brandon’s attention by playfully stealing cologne from his locker.

Q5: What should people do if they have information?

Contact the Harvard Police Department or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.