Cause of death confirmed for Wisconsin couple Brandon and Rachel Dumovich.

In the summer of 2023, at Big Cedar Lake — one of their favorite places — Brandon proposed. The sun was setting, the water was calm, and Rachel said yes through happy tears. On October 12, 2024, they married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Their vows were full of hope, joy, and promises of a lifetime.

Everyone who attended said the same thing: They were perfect for each other. They shared two beloved dogs, Dash and Cedar, and filled their days with adventures, long walks, weekend trips, and dreams that stretched far into the future. It makes what happened next even more heartbreaking.

The Night Everything Changed

On the night of October 6, 2025, police responded to what they assumed would be a standard roadside assist. But when they approached the vehicle and saw the couple unresponsive, they immediately realized the gravity of the situation. Because the scene was unclear at first, authorities issued a brief “shelter-in-place” alert for the surrounding community. Within a short time, however, they lifted it and confirmed there was no threat to the public.

Inside the vehicle, officers found a firearm. Initial findings from the McHenry County Coroner’s Office showed that both Rachel and Brandon had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Early on, the possibility of a murder-suicide was mentioned — but investigators warned that nothing would be confirmed until all examinations and reports were completed. Families waited. Friends waited. Entire communities held their breath.