The remains of Rachel Booth, a 38-year-old mother of three from Barnton, Northwich, England, have been discovered in a lake in Cheshire following a comprehensive three-day search. Cheshire Police confirmed on Tuesday that the formal identification process is complete, recognizing the body as Booth’s. She was reported missing in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 19.
Booth was last observed by her family in Barnton village before being captured on CCTV around 3:50 a.m. local time at Sandiway Garage on the A556 road. The footage from the gas station depicted her in black exercise attire and running shoes, having seemingly completed a 45-minute run before arriving.
Gas station personnel reported that Booth purchased milk and wine during her visit to the Shell petrol station. Issac Carolan, a 19-year-old employee, mentioned that his colleague who assisted Booth noted she had jogged for approximately 45 minutes to reach the station but seemed calm during the purchase.
The body was located after police utilized extensive search resources, including underwater search teams, police dogs, and Cheshire search and rescue units. Efforts focused on the Oakmere region near Delamere Forest, about three miles from Booth’s last known location on CCTV.
The discovery of her body took place in a lake at Oakmere on Monday afternoon, July 21. Superintendent Paul Hughes had previously expressed heightened concern for Booth’s safety as the search intensified. The investigation led to the temporary closure of Wild Shore Delamere, a nearby water sports facility, which remained closed during the search.
Cheshire Police stated that there are no suspicious circumstances concerning Booth’s death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. A police spokesperson stated, “Her family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”
The Barnton community expressed surprise at the news. Local residents familiar with Booth through her children’s school described her as consistently pleasant and noted she was the mother of three boys. A worker at a Premier store in Barnton, where Booth frequently collected parcels, characterized her as a lovely and active individual well-liked by staff and customers.
The search operation expanded considerably over the weekend, with police urging Booth to contact them if possible. Officers pursued multiple lines of inquiry and conducted extensive searches in areas they believed she might have traveled after leaving the gas station.
The case drew parallels to other high-profile missing person investigations, with former Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley noting that police likely closed the water park to prevent interference from amateur investigators. He suggested the closure aimed to avert speculation and social media theories that could negatively impact those acquainted with Booth.
The distance between Booth’s last confirmed sighting and her family’s residence highlighted the extensive range covered during her early morning activity. The A556 gas station where she appeared on CCTV is approximately five miles from her family’s last sighting of her in Barnton.
Booth’s disappearance prompted a coordinated response involving multiple agencies. Search efforts involved systematic coverage of the Oakmere area and surrounding regions, with underwater teams specifically deployed to examine the lake where her body was eventually discovered.
The investigation timeline extended from the initial missing person report filed by her family early Saturday morning through the formal identification completed on Tuesday. Police continue to collaborate with the family regarding potential tribute statements, although the family has requested privacy during this time.
The case concluded with the recovery of Booth’s body from the lake, bringing closure to a search operation that involved substantial resources from Cheshire Constabulary and partner agencies throughout the region.
