In Lincoln, Nebraska, the life of Rachel Swetland Garten, a 54-year-old Caucasian woman, came to a tragic end in April of 2019. She was a respected member of her community, having dedicated over 22 years of service to the Nebraska Air National Guard, from which she retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. At the time of her passing, she was employed as an Immigration Services Supervisor with USCIS.
Her academic achievements were notable, holding an Associate's Degree from the USAF/CCAF, as well as a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Rachel and her husband, Eric Garten, were married on September 11, 2004. Eric, a United States Air Force veteran who later worked for the City of Lincoln Water System, passed away on April 13, 2019, at the age of 58. Rachel succumbed to her injuries three days later, on April 16, 2019.
Investigations into their deaths determined the tragic events to be a double suicide. The couple was found with gunshot wounds in their home. Following their deaths, Rachel and Eric were cremated and their ashes were reunited in a double urn. Rachel was also an organ and tissue donor, a final act of giving.
