A mother of three whose body was pulled from a lake in northwest England this summer died under “unnatural” circumstances, a coroner has ruled, setting the stage for a formal inquest early next year.

Rachel Booth, 38, was last seen in the early morning hours of July 19 in the village of Barnton, near Northwich. Family members reported her missing just hours later. Surveillance footage later showed Booth stopping at a gas station around 3:50 a.m., where she bought wine and milk after what staff said appeared to be a 45-minute run. “It didn’t seem weird, she didn’t seem disturbed or flustered,” a worker recalled.

Two days later, on July 21, her body was discovered in Oakmere, near Delamere Lake Holiday Park. Underwater search units combed the area that morning, drawing the attention of nearby residents and visitors before police confirmed the grim discovery.

At a hearing at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington on September 3, coroner’s officer Paul Downey said Booth’s death had been deemed “unnatural” following a post-mortem exam. She was formally identified by her sister, and in court records she was referred to as Rachel Langley.

While officials have not disclosed further details, they confirmed the inquest will reconvene on January 27 to establish a final determination. A spokesperson for the court told People that information about the precise cause of death would only be made public at that time.

Cheshire Police say that they do not believe there were suspicious circumstances and that a file would be prepared for the coroner. The finding of an “unnatural” cause now ensures more thorough scrutiny of Booth’s final hours.

Booth’s disappearance and death drew widespread attention in Cheshire, not only because of the police search but also because of the outpouring of grief from those who knew her. She was a mother to three children, and her family released a heartfelt tribute through police after she was identified.

“Rachel, who was known to us as Helena, was a cherished member of our family,” they wrote. “She was a guiding light whose strength, love, and devotion touched us all. 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 relatives went on to thank police and the community for their efforts during the search, adding: “Her absence leaves a space, but her smiles are a memory we will treasure.”

For now, Booth’s children and loved ones wait on an inquest that may bring clarity but can never restore what they lost on that July morning.