What began as a routine early-morning trip for milk and wine has ended in heartbreak for the family of Rachel Booth.
Just days after the 38-year-old mother of three was reported missing, police have now discovered a body believed to be hers in a lake near Oakmere, Cheshire.
The devastating update came after an intense search operation that spanned the weekend.
Last Known Sighting Caught on CCTV
Rachel was last seen around 3:50am on Saturday, captured by CCTV at a 24-hour Shell petrol station in Sandiway, located along the A556.
Dressed in her running gear—black leggings, a black vest, and trainers—she was seen buying wine and milk.
The station, situated roughly seven miles from her home in Barnton, was the last confirmed location where she was spotted.
It’s still unclear how she got there—whether she ran or drove remains unknown.
A member of staff later said she didn’t appear upset or in distress during the encounter.
Search Operations Focused on Delamere Lake
Later that Saturday, police cordoned off Wild Shore Delamere, a nearby water sports centre popular for paddleboarding and open-water swimming.
The site, which is just under two miles from the petrol station, quickly became the focus of the investigation.
Specialist divers and search teams combed the lake adjacent to Delamere Lake Sailing and Holiday Park.
Authorities later confirmed the lake would remain closed for several days as the investigation continued.
Formal Identification Still Pending
Cheshire Police announced on Monday that a body had been found in the lake.
While official identification is yet to be completed, the remains are believed to belong to Rachel Booth.
Her family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.
In their public statement, police said they found no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a report is now being prepared for the coroner.
Anxious Days of Searching and Hoping
Before the heartbreaking discovery, Superintendent Paul Hughes had made a public appeal, urging Rachel—or anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts—to reach out.
He emphasized how concerned authorities were for her safety and thanked the public and local businesses for their patience during the large-scale search efforts.
The force was working alongside the Underwater Search Team and Cheshire Search and Rescue as they combed the Oakmere area.
Family and Friends Rally Support
Rachel’s disappearance prompted an outpouring of concern online.
Her mother, Chrissie Widdowson, 59, shared police appeals across social media in the hopes of finding her daughter.
Too emotional to speak, Chrissie had pinned her hopes on the community for help.
Rachel, who was married to Carl Booth in late 2022, leaves behind three sons, aged 13, 10, and 6.
Online tributes poured in, describing her as “one of the nicest people you could meet,” with others praising her dedication to her “three gorgeous boys” and “loving husband.”
Petrol Station Employee Recalls Calm Demeanor
A staff member at the Shell station recalled that Rachel didn’t seem anxious or rushed during her brief visit.
He said she jogged in, purchased her items, and left—acting no differently than any other early riser stopping by.
This observation only added to the mystery surrounding her disappearance, intensifying public concern over the weekend.
Community Support and Closure Notices
The Wild Shore Delamere site, while not directly involved in the case, chose to suspend all operations as a show of solidarity and to assist law enforcement.
They issued a statement confirming the closure through Tuesday and extended apologies to any guests affected, offering rescheduling or refunds.
The team at Wild Shore emphasized their willingness to support the ongoing investigation however they could.
Where Things Stand Now
As the family mourns and awaits formal identification, the case is expected to be handed over to the coroner.
The police have reiterated that no foul play is suspected at this stage.
For now, Rachel Booth’s loved ones are left grappling with the painful outcome of a disappearance that rattled an entire community.
The focus now shifts to honoring her memory and supporting her husband and three young children in the days ahead.