Cause of Death for Wisconsin Couple Brandon and Rachel Dumovich Released – Here's What the Police Said

It was just before midnight when a Harvard police officer, patrolling the quiet streets of small-town Illinois, came upon a scene that would soon unfold into a devastating tragedy.

On Monday, October 6, 2025, at approximately 11:52 p.m., an officer with the Harvard Police Department in Illinois noticed a vehicle parked in the northbound lane of the 700 block of North Division Street with its hazard lights activated. Believing it to be a motorist assist, the officer approached the vehicle to offer help.

Victims Discovered Inside the Vehicle

Upon investigation, the officer discovered two deceased individuals inside the vehicle — a 29-year-old woman in the driver's seat and a 30-year-old man in the passenger seat.

Authorities later identified the individuals as Rachel and Brandon Dumovich, a married couple originally from Sharon, Wisconsin. The couple had just gotten married in October 2024.

Preliminary Investigation Points to Murder-Suicide

Initial findings from the scene revealed that both individuals had sustained gunshot wounds, and a firearm was recovered inside the vehicle. A joint investigation was launched involving the Harvard Police Department and the McHenry County Coroner's Office.

According to their findings, investigators concluded that Brandon fatally shot his wife, Rachel, before taking his own life. The case is being treated as a homicide-suicide.

While authorities have made a preliminary determination based on the available evidence, the investigation remains active as officials continue to finalize reports and review all findings related to the case.

Police emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident. There is no indication of any ongoing threat to the public. While the investigation remains active, authorities are continuing to review all evidence and reports.

Married Less Than a Year After Reconnecting as Adults

Rachel and Brandon had known each other for most of their lives. The two met as middle school classmates at age 12 and maintained a friendship for over 15 years.

After reconnecting as adults, they began dating in 2022 and were married on October 12, 2024, in Slinger, Wisconsin. At the time of their deaths, the couple had been just days away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Brandon Dumovich Remembered for His Energy, Humor, and Passion for the Outdoors

Brandon died one day after his 30th birthday, according to his obituary. He was born on October 5, 1995. He served as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy, and his loved ones remembered him as a man of many interests and boundless energy.

He enjoyed RC flying, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting, and his family noted that he pursued each of these pastimes with both enthusiasm and skill.

His deep love for animals, quick wit, and "infectious smile" were also highlighted by those who knew him best. His obituary described him as someone with a sharp sense of humor who could bring people together and lift spirits.

Family was central to Brandon's life, and he is remembered lovingly by his parents, sister, and grandmothers, as well as many others. He is now reunited in death with both of his grandfathers.

Rachel Dumovich Celebrated for Her Compassion, Drive, and Leadership

Rachel was born in Highland Park, Illinois, and grew up in Crystal Lake, where she graduated from Crystal Lake South High School in 2014.

A two-sport varsity athlete in cheerleading and track, Rachel went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, graduating Cum Laude in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She was named to the Dean's List every semester and volunteered as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee.

Rachel's obituary described her as someone with a strong sense of empathy, justice, and ambition. Her career in Human Resources quickly progressed, and she ultimately served as Human Resources Manager for Climate Pros, LLC, where she worked for nearly four years. Her colleagues described an outpouring of love, admiration, and respect for the impact she made in the workplace.

Rachel was also remembered as a vibrant presence among her friends and family — someone with an exuberant spirit, a sharp sense of humor, and a passion for life at the lake, fashion, travel, decorating, and cooking.

She is survived by her parents, Art and Shelley Reimann, her brother Jason Reimann, her grandmother Mae Kottke, and several other beloved relatives and friends. She also leaves behind her two dogs, Dash and Cedar.

Final Social Media Post Reflects Recent Memories

On the day she died, Rachel posted a cover photo to Facebook of a sunset in Greece with the caption "Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece!" The image, now viewed in the context of this tragedy, has prompted an outpouring of sorrow from friends and loved ones on social media.

Condolence messages for both Rachel and Brandon have continued to be shared online, reflecting the widespread grief felt by those who knew and loved them.