Summary:
- A body believed to be missing 38-year-old Rachel Booth was found in a lake in Oakmere, Cheshire.
- Booth was last seen on CCTV at Sandiway Garage after spending the evening with family in Barnton.
- Underwater teams and volunteers searched Oakmere and Delamere Forest, leading to the discovery.
- Cheshire Police confirmed the body and stated no suspicious circumstances were involved.
- The family, informed and supported by specialist officers, has requested privacy during proceedings.
- The community and businesses received praise for supporting the search, although no criminal activity was suspected.
A body has been recovered from a lake in Oakmere, Cheshire, during the search for Rachel Booth, a 38-year-old woman who was reported missing over the weekend. While formal identification has yet to be made, Cheshire Police stated they believe the body is that of Ms Booth, and her family has been informed.
The discovery marks a somber conclusion to several days of intensive search efforts across Northwich and its surrounding areas. Booth was last seen in the early hours of Saturday morning, captured on CCTV entering Sandiway Garage on the A556 at approximately 3:50am. Earlier that night, she had been with family in Barnton, a village just outside Northwich, before her sudden and unexplained disappearance.
Search operations escalated on Monday, with specialist underwater teams and volunteers from Cheshire Search and Rescue combing areas around Oakmere and Delamere Forest. Police focused their efforts there after receiving information suggesting she may have travelled toward the lake.
In a statement issued Tuesday, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police confirmed that a body had been located. “At around 11.30am today, officers searching for Rachel Booth discovered a body in a lake in Oakmere. While formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be Rachel,” the statement read. “Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Booth, a mother of three, was described as slim and approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, with blonde hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing black leggings and a dark top—clothing consistent with jogging attire. Public interest in the case grew over the weekend as concern mounted for her safety. On social media and local forums, residents speculated about her late-night movements, though police maintained at every stage that there was no indication of criminal activity.
Local businesses and members of the community were acknowledged by authorities for their cooperation throughout the search. “We’re grateful to everyone who assisted during this difficult time,” the police spokesperson added.
The family has requested privacy as formal proceedings continue. Police noted that the investigation will now be handed over to the coroner’s office, which will determine the cause of death.
The case has drawn a quiet but focused response from the local community. While the circumstances around her disappearance appear to involve no foul play, the event has prompted many to reflect on issues of safety, particularly when alone outdoors at night.
Background:
Here is how this event developed over time:
- 19 July 2025 (early hours): Rachel Booth, 38, was last seen by her family in Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire.
- 3:50 AM, 19 July 2025: She was captured on CCTV at Sandiway Shell Garage on the A556, wearing running clothes and purchasing milk and wine.
- Later on 19 July 2025: Booth was reported missing to Cheshire Police after she failed to return home.
- 21 July 2025: Police deployed underwater search teams and Cheshire Search & Rescue to the Oakmere and Delamere areas based on gathered evidence.
- 21 July 2025: A body was recovered from a lake in Oakmere as part of the ongoing search operation.
- 21 July 2025: Cheshire Police confirmed the discovery, informed Booth’s family, and stated that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.