Family of Missing New Hartford Woman Sets Up Search/Memorial Fund

Update 12:29 p.m. Saturday 

Saturday morning a body was found under Town Bridge in Canton. Officials are working to recover it and see if it is related to the disappearance of Rachel Greene. See story here. 

Original story 

While officials continue the search for a New Hartford woman missing since June 15, her family has set up a search/memorial fund in her name. 

Still her mother hopes for a miracle.

"I'm holding on to hope as along as I possibly can," Dorothy Greene said this week.

The search for Rachel Greene, 33, has been ongoing since the early morning hours of June 15 after she reportedly fell from a raft into the Farmington River. 

Others involved in the incident told the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that two rafts entered the river in New Hartford, one with Rachel and a male and another with two males. The males said they all got out but Rachel did not when her raft capsized, according to an earlier DEEP press release. (See more here). 

The effort to find her was extensive. 

EnCon police assisted by State Police Troop B and the New Hartford Fire Department responded to the incident and the Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department soon followed. Canton volunteers search several sections of the river on at least three different times. 

Over the weekend, efforts also included DEEP vessels, a Coast Guard helicopter, State Police aircraft, EnCon officers, numerous other fire departments, rescue dogs and an ATV, DEEP said. 

Donations to the Rachel Greene Search/Memorial Fund, will "go directly toward a fund that has been set up for donations to organizations who are aiding in Rachel’s search, and also to be used to assist in Rachel’s memorial," the site states. 

Rachel's sister in law Alison Greene, said the family is so grateful for the search effort, which now involves some family members.   

She said the family is thankful to all the agencies and volunteers who helped. She also thanked those who have expressed concern and supported Rachel and the family. 

"We would like thank everyone for all of their thoughts and prayers, and your continued love and support," Alison Greene said. 

The search continues. 

"Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) continue to search the area for Rachel Greene," DEEP spokeswoman Cyndy Chanaca said earlier in the week and confirmed Friday morning that the status was the same. 

Officials have said little about the circumstances of the event.

Wednesday Chanaca only said it remains under investigation and Alison Greene said the family declined comment on the investigation. 

Greene, 33, graduated from Northwest Regional 7 and cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Science with a focus on human services, according to Alison Greene. 

"Rachel was a very intelligent, caring, person, who was very close to her family and friends," Alison Greene said. 

Rachel also wanted to continue her education, she added. 

The fundraising site can be accessed at https://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/rachel-greene-search-memorial-fund/66986