The Emporia Police Department has confirmed the tragic discovery of Kansas elementary school teacher Rebecca Rauber’s body.

According to KAKE, authorities located Rauber approximately 300 yards south of West 4th Avenue in Emporia early Sunday morning, around 1:13 a.m. Her body was found in a snow-covered wooded area following a recent snowstorm.

Previously reported by CrimeOnline, Rauber had spent Friday night with a friend at the Town Royal tavern, located at 405 Commercial Street. Emporia Police Sgt. Marcial Hernandez mentioned that she arrived at the establishment at around 11 p.m.

Surveillance cameras later recorded Rauber walking along West Fifth Avenue at approximately 11:37 p.m. after she left the tavern.

In a statement, the Emporia police expressed their gratitude: “Next of Kin has been notified. We want to thank our community for the outpouring of care and assistance during this situation. We also want to thank KHP, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue of Kansas, and the Lyon County Communications Center for their efforts in trying to locate Rebecca.”

“All of the agencies listed poured many hours of manpower, involving many resources, in the hope of a positive outcome. Our hearts and prayers are truly with the Rauber family.”

KY3 reports that police said she likely died from hypothermia. An autopsy is pending.

According to Emporia Public Schools, Rauber served as a second-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School.

Assistance is available for Emporia State at the Student Wellness Center through the student wellness portal . Students can call the center at 620-341-5222.

The investigation continues. Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo via Emporia PD]