Newlywed Couple Found Dead in Car in Harvard, Illinois

Investigators continue to determine what led to their deaths.

Published: 10/17/2025, 9:28:15 AM EDT

Newlywed Couple Found Dead in Car in Harvard, Illinois — Police tape in a file photo. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

A newlywed couple was found dead in a car parked in Harvard, Illinois, earlier this month. The couple was one week a away from celebrating their one year wedding anniversary.

The Harvard Police Department said an officer on patrol had noticed a vehicle stopped with its hazard lights on just before midnight, around 11:52 p.m. on Oct. 6. The car was in the northbound lane of the 700 block of North Division Street.

The police said that an officer approached the vehicle to investigate and discovered a man and woman were dead inside. The driver was identified as 29-year-old Rachel Noel Dumovich, and the passenger as her husband, 30-year-old Brandon Peter Dumovich, both of Sharon, Wisconsin.

Their names were publicly released by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office, which confirmed their identities in statements reported by multiple local outlets, including the Northwest Herald and Lake & McHenry County Scanner.

NTD has reached out to the county’s corners office for an update.

Investigators continue to determine what led to their deaths. “Our thoughts remain with the families and all those affected as the investigation moves forward,” stated the Harvard Police Department on Oct. 14.

“The investigation remains active as investigators await the McHenry County Coroner’s final report and the review and processing of additional evidentiary items,” the police said. “At this time, this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no evidence to suggest that there is any danger or threat to the public.”

The Dumoviches were married last October. The two had met in middle school. A wedding website described their long relationship: “I caught Brandon’s attention by stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it. After keeping in touch through many life stages and 15 years of friendship, we started dating in 2022.”

The same post said Brandon proposed “last summer on Big Cedar Lake in Slinger, WI where I made many of my favorite childhood memories at my grandparent’s (now parent’s) home.” The lake was also chosen as their wedding venue.

Rachel Dumovich’s obituary described her as “known for her drive, ambition, and passion” and “a natural connector, advocate, and loyal friend.”

It said she “had a strong sense of empathy, compassion, social justice, and fair play, always championing those who needed a voice.”

“With her exuberant spirit, quick wit, and unfiltered humor, she brought energy and laughter to every room she entered,” the obituary added.

Rachel graduated from Crystal Lake South High School in 2014, where she was a two-sport varsity athlete in cheerleading and track, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2018. She worked as a human resources manager at Climate Pros, LLC.

A visitation for Rachel will be held on Friday at the Light of Christ Church in Algonquin, followed by a memorial service.

Brandon Dumovich’s obituary said he “proudly served his country as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy,” reflecting his “deep commitment to service and his enduring passion for helping others.”

“Brandon’s infectious smile and sharp sense of humor had a way of lighting up any room,” the obituary said. “Family was always at the heart of everything he did; it was his anchor and greatest source of pride.”

A private memorial service for Brandon will be held at a later date.

The Harvard Police Department said it “remains committed to keeping the community informed and will provide updates as the investigation allows.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (815) 943-4343 or [email protected]