February 1, 2021 9:30 a.m.  

A missing woman has been found deceased in the South Umpqua River.

Detective Kevin Taggart of the Myrtle Creek Police said on January 7th, 39-year old Rachel Weathers was reported missing by family members. Officers from the MCPD with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, searched the area of Dole Road. Taggart said during the investigation officers located evidence that a vehicle had gone into the river in the 1200 block of Dole Road. Evidence led officers to believe that the vehicle likely belonged to Weathers.

The DCSO Marine Patrol and Dive Team assisted with searching the area, but Weathers and her vehicle were not located.

Wednesday January 23rd just after 2:20 p.m. a fisherman in the area of Whiston Lane spotted a body on the opposite side of the river from where he was fishing. Deputies responded and the body was recovered. Taggart said after an investigation by the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, it was confirmed that the remains are those of Rachel Weathers. At this time, foul play is not suspected.

Weather’s vehicle has not been located. Anyone who sees it is asked to call MCPD at 440-4471. It is a blue 4-door 2002 Chevrolet Malibu with Oregon license plate 288HRD.