The extensive search for a missing Northwich woman concluded tragically when police recovered her body from a lake. However, questions persist regarding the hours leading up to her disappearance, including a solitary visit to a convenience store in the early morning.
Rachel Booth, a 38-year-old mother of three from Barnton, Northwich, was discovered deceased in a lake in Oakmere on Monday, July 21, 2025. Her body was found after a two-day search led by Cheshire Police.
Her family initially reported her missing on Saturday, July 19, prompting urgent public appeals and widespread efforts to locate her. At the time of her disappearance, Booth, also known as Rachel Langley and Helena, was believed to be wearing black leggings and a black top. She was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a slim build and blonde hair.
Last Sighting and Search Efforts
Booth was last seen at 3:50 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, on CCTV footage from the Shell petrol station at Sandiway Garage, located on the A556. Isaac Carolan, a 19-year-old employee at the garage, informed The Sun, “I spoke to my colleague who had served her on Saturday morning. She bought milk and wine and jogged from 45 minutes away. But it didn’t seem weird, she didn’t seem disturbed or flustered.”
Following the missing person report, police launched a large-scale operation that included officers, sniffer dogs, and specialist diving squads to find her. The search primarily focused on the Oakmere area of Delamere. On Monday morning, two underwater search units arrived at Delamere Lake Holiday Park, near the Wild Shore Delamere water sports site. An incident command unit and a police dogs vehicle were also present.
During the operation, Wild Shore Delamere was temporarily closed to the public. A spokesperson for the site stated, “Due to ongoing police investigations in the surrounding area, Wildshore Delamere will remain closed tomorrow, Sunday, July 20th… This incident is unrelated to Wild Shore — however, we wish to help as much as possible — so we will be closing the site until further notice.”
Discovery and Community Mourning
On Monday, officers recovered a body from the lake. Formal identification confirmed it was Rachel Booth. Cheshire Police stated that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, and a file is being prepared for the coroner. Her family was informed and is receiving support from specialist officers.
The news deeply affected Booth’s community in Barnton, where she resided with her husband, Carl Langley, and their three sons—Alfie, Archie, and Ronnie. Local residents and shop workers remembered Booth as an active and well-liked individual.
Raj Kaur, 30, who works at a Premier convenience store near Booth’s home, shared, “We have all been praying for her. She is in everyone’s thoughts here and we all wanted her to be found safe and well. It’s so very, very sad. She had three children — it’s such a sad time now.” Kaur had earlier described her as “a lovely clever lady — always coming in here for her parcels. She is very active and very nice we all liked her.” Another Barnton resident, a middle-aged mother who remained anonymous, added, “I knew her from the school and she was always pleasant — she has three boys at the school.”
Family Tribute and Support
Following Booth’s death, her family released a heartfelt tribute through Cheshire Police. “Rachel, who was known to us as Helena, was a cherished member of our family. She was a guiding light whose strength, love, and devotion touched us all.” The statement continued, “Her kindness was constant and her presence a strength to everyone she knew, a loving mother, wife, daughter and sister who can never be replaced but always present in our hearts. Her absence leaves a space, but her smiles are a memory we will treasure for ever.” They also expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted in the search efforts.
In the wake of her passing, a GoFundMe page was established in Booth’s memory to support her surviving family. The fundraiser has so far collected over £8,800 (approximately $11,900) towards its £13,000 ($17,600) goal, with more donations anticipated. Organizers have specified that all proceeds will be placed into a trust for her three sons. Additionally, a portion of the donations will be given to a charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by ADHD—a cause important to the family.
The fundraising page’s description reads, “Your generosity, no matter how big or small, will make a lasting difference and is deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping us give Rachel the beautiful farewell she deserves and for supporting her family during this heartbreaking time.” As the community grieves, efforts are now focused on supporting Booth’s family and honoring her memory through the ongoing fundraiser.