Rachel Hughes Obituary, Death; 32-year-old woman found dead near Shawnee Park boat ramp identified by family.

Rachel Hughes Obituary, Death – Authorities and family members have confirmed the identity of a woman found dead near the Shawnee Park boat ramp on Sunday afternoon as 32-year-old Rachel Hughes. The tragic discovery has left her family grappling with grief and a host of unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding her death. Hughes’ mother, Tammy Bryant, expressed her anguish, noting the senselessness of the crime while holding the jewelry her daughter wore at the time of her death. “Nobody deserves what happened. Nobody deserves that,” Bryant said, reflecting the shock and sorrow felt by her family.

The incident unfolded just before 3:30 p.m. Sunday, when Louisville Metro Police were called to the boat ramp area along Shawnee Park Drive. Officers reported finding Hughes in a wooded area, having been shot multiple times. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide, and the motive remains unclear.

Bryant recounted that she was initially told her daughter had been shot in the chest, but later learned that Hughes had suffered eight gunshot wounds. The revelation underscored the brutality of the attack, prompting her mother to voice disbelief at the violence inflicted. “But to hear she was shot eight times, nobody deserves that. No human deserves that,” Bryant said, emphasizing the devastating nature of the crime.

Family members shared details about Hughes’ last known movements. Hughes and her mother had been living together off Bashford Manor Lane. Early Sunday morning, Hughes drove her Lincoln Continental SUV to 247 Laundromat on Bardstown Road, where she was last seen around 4:30 a.m. Later in the day, her SUV was discovered near 46th and Market streets, only a few blocks from Shawnee Park. Bryant expressed concern that Hughes may have been specifically targeted, referencing the jewelry she wore and the vehicle she drove as potential factors in the attack.

Investigators with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Homicide Unit continue to work the case, examining the scene and seeking leads to determine what led to Hughes’ death. The department has urged anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation. Individuals can contact LMPD’s anonymous Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673) or submit information through the department’s Crime Tip Portal. Authorities are emphasizing that even small pieces of information could be critical in helping to solve the case and bring those responsible to justice.

In summary, 32-year-old Rachel Hughes was found fatally shot near the Shawnee Park boat ramp on Sunday afternoon. She had been last seen early that morning at a nearby laundromat. No arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shooting remains unknown. Her family continues to mourn her loss, while Louisville Metro Police investigate the homicide and seek information from the public to help solve the case.