March 17, 2024 4:30 p.m.  

Search and Rescue efforts continue in the search for Rachel Merchant-Ly, a Glide Elementary School kindergarten teacher whose vehicle was found crashed in the North Umpqua River in the Idleyld Park area.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said Merchant-Ly was reported missing on Thursday February 29th when she didn’t arrive at school. A DCSO deputy located signs of a motor vehicle crash near milepost 41 on Highway 138E.

On Friday March 1st, Merchant-Ly’s vehicle was rescued from the North Umpqua River, but she was not found inside.

O’Dell said since that time, nearly 300 volunteer hours of searching has taken place. SAR has been using various methods of searching to include drone, ground and K9. DCSO Marine Patrol has conducted water searches as well. O’Dell said volunteers have searched along the riverbank from the crash site to Idleyld Trading Post, a distance of approximately 21 miles.

Sheriff John Hanlin said, “We all want to find Mrs. Merchant-Ly and return her to her family”. Hanlin said, “Our deputies are in constant communication with her family and providing them with updates as to our efforts. We will continue searching and using all means necessary to accomplish our mission”.

O’Dell said in addition to the efforts of DCSO Search and Rescue volunteers, several community members have been actively looking for Merchant-Ly.

As the weather turns more springlike, DCSO encourages those recreating around the area to be aware Merchant-Ly is still missing and to report anything which may assist in concluding this missing person case.