An inquest has opened into the death of a Didsbury woman who was found dead after telling friends she was going out for some fresh air.
Rachel Jackson was reported missing from the Wadham Road area of Avenham, Preston, on Friday, March 31 after failing to return from a bike ride. Police soon launched a search for the high risk 38-year-old with public appeals being issued.
Rachel's body was found the following day on April 1 with Preston Coroner's Court hearing today that she was found in Avenham Park. Area Coroner Richard Taylor described the circumstances around Rachel's death today (April 13), Lancs Live reported.
Read more: Brianna Ghey: Family's thanks for 'overwhelming generosity' as fundraising appeal tops £100,000
"She was reported as a high risk missing person on March 31, she had left Manchester and went to Preston where she had relatives," he said. "She went out on her bicycle and didn't return.
"The area was searched, the bicycle was found, and then she was found. Items found in her possession identified her." The coroner also confirmed that a final inquest is scheduled to be held on July 13.
Meanwhile, details around the cause of Rachel's death will be confirmed alongside any evidence relating to the events leading up to her disappearance. Rachel was described by her sister as a "sparkling ray of sunshine who brought unconditional love, joy and beauty to the lives of every single person she encountered".
On a GoFundMe page set up the day after Rachel was found, Sarah posted: "Yesterday, the unthinkable happened and after an awful day of searching, the news came in that my precious, beautiful sister had been found dead. I never thought I'd have to do this but we need to raise funds to give her the most beautiful, colourful, Rachel-esque send off ever.
"She was a sparkling ray of sunshine who brought unconditional love, joy and beauty to the lives of every single person she encountered. I've never met anyone who loved so purely and deeply, never met anyone with the compassion and empathy she had. She was one in a million and our family are in pieces at having lost the beautiful rainbow in our sky. Our lives will never be the same and the pain is so deep and raw, but your donations will ease the financial struggles for the funeral and memorial at least.
"I know Rachel's pure love, zaniness and beauty touched all your lives: please donate whatever you can in memory of this precious, one of a kind soul."
After Rachel's death many of her friends have paid tribute to her on social media. The Olive Branch charity shop in Urmston, Manchester, tweeted: "We are really sad to hear of the passing of Rachel Jackson. She did amazing window art and she did this for free for us and a lot of other charities.
"She was a lovely vibrant soul and really talented. Rest in peace Rachel and thank you for the kind effort you made to do our widow sign. It was the pièce de résistance for our shop and we will forever remember you by it."
Digital artist Leon Tatlock wrote: "So sad to hear the news about Rach Jackson. Such talent gone way too soon, you were a big part of my inspiration and motivation for over the last few years.
"I doubt it would have come as far as it has without having the pleasure of knowing people like yourself. You always had time for and cared about my art and creativity when no one else did and always pushed me to want to do more.
"Your achievements make it seem as though there is light at the end of the tunnel for struggling artists trying to make it - such a shame that this journey has been cut short."
Read next:
