EMPORIA (KSNT) – Emporia Public Schools is expressing its sadness after one of its teachers was found dead last weekend.
Rebecca Rauber, a 28-year-old 2nd Grade teacher at USD 253’s Riverside Elementary School, went missing on Friday, Jan. 23 in Emporia. Police found her body two days later in a wooded area close to where she was last seen.
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Emporia Public Schools Director of Communications and Marketing Lyndel Landgren provided a statement to 27 News following Rauber’s death. The district is “deeply saddened” following Rauber’s death and expressed its condolences to her family.
“Our hearts go out to Ms. Rauber’s family, friends, students, and everyone who was touched by her life and dedication to education. She was a valued member of our school community, and her loss is felt deeply across our district.
At this time, we are focused on supporting our students and staff as they process this difficult news. Counselors and district support teams will be available at our schools to provide care and assistance for anyone who needs it.”
USD 253 statement excerpt
Lisa Hayes with the Emporia Police Department said that officers found Rauber’s body 300 yards south of the 700 block of West Fourth Ave. in Emporia. She was last seen on video in this area just before 11:45 p.m. on Jan. 23.
Hayes said early reports indicate Rauber died of hypothermia shortly after her disappearance as she had a layer of snow on top of her from the winter storm that started on Saturday, Jan. 24.
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Emporia police expressed their support for Rauber’s family following confirmation of her death. Detectives are continuing to investigate her death.
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