March 1, 2024 9:30 a.m. 

The search for a woman and a vehicle both believed to have gone into the North Umpqua River on Thursday morning has been suspended due to current river and weather conditions.

A report from Captain Kyle Kennedy of the Oregon State Police said just before 8:40 a.m. troopers were advised of a missing person report from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Kennedy said the preliminary information indicated that 27-year-old Rachel Merchant-Ly was travelling from Dry Creek to Glide Elementary School but had not arrived. A DCSO deputy located evidence of a vehicle slide-off on Highway 138E westbound near milepost 41, east of Glide.

Kennedy said troopers responded to the area to conduct a crash investigation. Based on on-scene evidence it is believed the vehicle, a white 1995 GMC pickup, reportedly operated by Merchant-Ly left the roadway westbound, entering the North Umpqua River. Debris at the scene was identified as likely coming from the vehicle operated by Merchant-Ly.

A search was conducted by personnel including DCSO Search and Rescue volunteers and deputies and OSP. Kennedy said the search will continue when conditions allow. Merchant-Ly is a kindergarten teacher at Glide Elementary.