The body of Rachel Booth, a 38-year-old mother of three from Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire, has been formally identified after being recovered from a lake in Oakmere following her disappearance on July 19, 2025. Cheshire Constabulary confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Booth was reported missing by her family in the early hours of Saturday, July 19, after last being seen in the village of Barnton. Her final confirmed sighting occurred at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time at Sandiway Garage on the A556 road, where CCTV footage captured her entering the Shell petrol station. The location was approximately five miles from where her family had last seen her and seven miles from her home.
According to gas station worker Isaac Carolan, who spoke with his colleague who served Booth that morning, she had purchased milk and wine after completing what appeared to be a 45-minute jog to reach the location. Carolan indicated that Booth did not appear disturbed or flustered during the interaction. She was described as wearing black leggings, a black top, and trainers at the time of her disappearance.
Police launched an extensive search operation involving multiple agencies after Booth failed to return home. Officers deployed underwater search teams, police dogs, and Cheshire Search and Rescue units to conduct inquiries in the Oakmere area of Delamere Forest, approximately eight miles from Barnton, where authorities believed she had traveled.
The search centered around Delamere Lake, with two underwater search units arriving at the location on Monday, July 21. Wild Shore Delamere, a water sports facility near the lake, voluntarily closed its operations to assist with the police investigation. The company stated the incident was unrelated to their business but emphasized their commitment to helping authorities with their inquiries.
On Monday afternoon, police announced they had recovered a body from the lake. Formal identification was completed by Tuesday, July 22, confirming the remains were those of Booth. Local Superintendent Paul Hughes had previously expressed increasing concern for her welfare as the search continued, with officers following multiple lines of inquiry to locate the missing mother.
Booth, who was also known by the name Rachel Langley, left behind her husband Carl and three young sons. She was described by police as five feet nine inches tall, of slim build, with blonde hair. Local residents in Barnton remembered her as a regular customer at area businesses and an active member of the school community where her children attended.
Shop worker Raj Kaur from a Premier store in Barnton described Booth as a lovely and clever lady who frequently visited to collect parcels. Other local parents from the school community remembered her as pleasant and noted her three boys attended the local school. Social media posts revealed additional details about her life, including her previous residence in Worcester and her work at an organization referred to as “the VIN.”
Following confirmation of the identification, Booth’s family released a statement through police describing her as a guiding light who was cherished by her family. They noted that her smiles “are a memory we will treasure for ever.” The family, who knew her as Helena, characterized her as possessing constant kindness and being a strength to everyone she knew.
The family statement expressed gratitude to all services and businesses that supported Cheshire Police during the search operation. They described Booth as a loving mother, wife, daughter, and sister who could never be replaced but would always remain present in their hearts. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and is receiving support from specialist officers.
Some witnesses reported seeing someone matching Booth’s description in the early morning hours before her gas station appearance. Facebook posts indicated potential sightings between 12:30 a.m. and 1:15 a.m. near roads leading toward Crewe, though these reports remain unconfirmed by police. The witnesses expressed confusion about why someone would be walking along those particular roads at that hour.
The Wild Shore Delamere activity center announced it would remain closed Tuesday as a mark of respect following the discovery. The facility had cooperated fully with the police investigation, allowing access to the lake area for the extensive search operation that ultimately led to the recovery of Booth’s body.
Tributes poured in from community members who knew Booth through various connections, including former colleagues, school parents, and childhood friends. Many remembered her devotion to her three sons and described her as beautiful both inside and out. The Northwich community has rallied around the family during this period, with numerous expressions of condolence shared on social media platforms.
