Tributes pour in after Liverpool grad ‘with bright future’ dies in police car crash

Tributes have poured in for a “cherished daughter” and recent Liverpool Hope grad who died after being hit by a police car responding to an emergency call on Christmas Eve.

22-year-old Rachael Moore was a carer who was walking home from work when she was hit by a marked Merseyside Police car, which had blue lights and sirens on, in Liverpool’s Kensington area on Christmas Eve just after 8pm, the Metro reports.

The police officer attempted CPR, it was reported, but paramedics pronounced Rachael dead at the scene.

Rachael graduated from Liverpool Hope last summer with a degree in philosophy, ethics and religion. The uni has announced a service in her memory in the coming weeks.

Rachael’s family have said she “will be greatly missed”. In a tribute to her, they said: “Rachael Louise Moore aged 22, cherished daughter of Alison and Ian, sister to Ben and much-loved granddaughter of Nana Sue. Partner to Jack and caring friend to many.

“She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.”

Hope University’s Interim Vice-Chancellor, Dr Penny Haughan, said: “Everyone at Liverpool Hope University is deeply saddened by the news of Rachael’s death. She was a committed, diligent student with a bright future, who will be remembered for both her kindness and passion for social justice by the staff and students who knew her.

“The University will hold a memorial service for Rachael in the coming weeks. On behalf of Liverpool Hope, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has appealed for witnesses and is investigating.

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Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson from the MATRIX Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Following the death of Rachael we are providing assistance to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“Our sincere and thoughts and condolences are with Rachael’s family who have been left devastated by this tragic incident.  Specially trained family Liaison Officers are supporting them at this time.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to please make contact with us as we try to piece together the circumstances.  I would also like to ask anyone who has CCTV, Dashcam or Smart doorbell footage that may help us to please get in touch.  As is standard procedure the incident was referred to the IOPC.  The family requests their privacy be respected at this time.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, Rachael’s family said: “We are fully supportive of the IOPC investigation and would please ask any witnesses to come forward to assist the IOPC with their inquiries into what happened to our daughter.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, by email at [email protected] or via @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, with reference 857 of Saturday 24 December.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, please speak to someone or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. You can also contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, Calm (Campaign against living miserably) on 0800 58 58 58, and Student Minds online here. You matter.

Featured image via Merseyside Police