A mother-of-three who left her home for an early morning run to buy milk suffered an “unnatural” death, a coroner has revealed at the opening of her inquest.
Rachel Booth, 38, from the Barnton area of Northwich, Cheshire, was found dead in a lake at Wild Shore Delamere water sports centre two days after she vanished following a pre-dawn shopping trip. The revelation about the nature of her death emerged during a brief hearing at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington on Wednesday.
The fitness enthusiast was captured on CCTV at 3.50am on July 19 at Sandiway garage on the A556, approximately five miles from her home, where she purchased milk and wine after completing what appeared to be a 45-minute run. Security footage showed Ms Booth wearing black running leggings, a black vest top and trainers, with a mobile phone strapped to her outer thigh.
Coroner’s officer Paul Downey told the hearing: “Rachel was reported missing from home on July 19. Sadly she was found deceased on July 21 in the lake at Delamere Lake Holiday Park.”
The inquest heard that Ms Booth, who was referred to as Rachel Langley during the proceedings, was formally identified by her sister following the discovery of her body. Coroner Victoria Davies stated: “Given that an unnatural cause of death has been identified on the post-mortem it is appropriate for me to formally open the inquest into the death of Rachel Langley.”
The coroner did not elaborate on the specific nature of the “unnatural” cause of death identified during the post-mortem examination. The full inquest has been adjourned until January 27, 2025, when further details are expected to emerge.
Ms Booth’s disappearance in the early hours of July 19 sparked a major search operation involving underwater search teams, sniffer dogs and Cheshire Search and Rescue volunteers. Police became “increasingly concerned” for her welfare after she failed to return home to her three children.
Isaac Carolan, 19, who worked at the Sandiway garage, told reporters at the time that a colleague who served Ms Booth said she appeared neither “disturbed or flustered” during her visit to the shop. The purchase of milk and wine after a lengthy run initially struck some as unusual behaviour.
Search efforts focused on the Oakmere area of Delamere after police believed she had travelled there following her garage visit. Wild Shore Delamere water park was forced to close over the weekend of July 20-21 as specialist dive teams searched the adjacent lake at Delamere Lake Holiday Park.
Ms Booth’s body was recovered from the lake on July 21, with formal identification confirming her identity the following day. Cheshire Police stated at the time that her death was not being treated as suspicious and that a file would be prepared for the coroner.
In a heartfelt tribute released through police following the discovery of her body, Ms Booth’s devastated family described her as a “guiding light” whose loss has left an irreplaceable void.
“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,” the family statement read. “Her absence leaves a space, but her smiles are a memory we will treasure forever.”
Local residents in Barnton expressed shock at her disappearance and death. Staff at a Premier store in the area, where Ms Booth was a regular customer, described her as a “lovely clever lady” who was “very active and very nice.” A fellow school parent noted she was “always pleasant” and confirmed she had three boys at the local school.
The circumstances surrounding Ms Booth’s final movements remain unclear. The journey from her Barnton home to the Sandiway garage would typically take around 10-15 minutes by car, though she appeared to have been running for 45 minutes before arriving at the petrol station. The subsequent journey to Delamere Lake, where her body was found, represents a further two miles from the garage.
Superintendent Paul Hughes, who led the search operation, had previously stated: “We are currently following a number of enquiries to trace Rachel and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.” He thanked local businesses and the public for their patience and assistance during the extensive search efforts.
The revelation that Ms Booth’s death was “unnatural” raises significant questions that are expected to be addressed when the full inquest resumes in January. The coroner’s use of this specific terminology typically indicates that death was not due to natural causes such as illness or medical conditions, though it does not necessarily imply criminal involvement.
Ms Booth’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers from Cheshire Police and have requested privacy as they grieve their loss. The January inquest is expected to examine in detail the circumstances leading to her death and provide answers to the many questions surrounding her final hours.
The case has deeply affected the close-knit communities of Barnton and Northwich, where Ms Booth was well-known and liked. Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, leaving behind grieving children and a family struggling to comprehend their loss.
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