A woman hit and killed by a police car had a "sweet, shy smile" and a "fierce passion for social justice".
Rachael Moore was hit and killed by the marked car while crossing Sheil Road, Kensington at around 8.10pm on Christmas Eve last year. The ECHO revealed earlier this month that the officer involved in the crash was responding to an emergency call when they hit Rachael.
An inquest that opened the following day heard how the officer performed CPR on the Derby-born woman, who was hit on her way home from her job as a carer. On Monday, January 16 Liverpool Hope University held a private memorial service for the former student, who graduated last summer.
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Rachael studied philosophy, ethics and religion at the university – and was remembered as a "committed, diligent student with a bright future". The small, private service was attended by students, graduates and staff who knew her during her time at the university. Members of her family watched the service remotely via a private video steam.
Patrice Haynes, senior lecturer in philosophy and Rachael's dissertation tutor, said: "The philosophy team and the wider Liverpool Hope University community are shocked and greatly saddened by the news of Rachael’s tragic death. For three years we watched with pride Rachael’s maturing intellect and, most importantly, her pursuit of philosophy in its truest sense: the art of living rightly.
"Rachael was one of those students who was always ready with a sweet, shy smile and she was a brilliant writer. Her ready kindness and calm manner belied her fierce passion for social justice. Many staff and former students attended the memorial held for Rachael at Hope this week – a testimony to how much she was, and remains, an inspiration to us all."
The service was led by the university's chaplaincy team and was attended by interim vice-chancellor Dr Penny Haughan. Dr Haughan previously told the ECHO Rachael would be remembered for "both her kindness and passion for social justice by the staff and students who knew her".
An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation was launched last month following a mandatory referral from Merseyside Police. Investigators visited the scene on the night of the incident to start gathering evidence – and are now reviewing local CCTV.
The inquest into Rachael's death was adjourned by senior coroner Andre Rebello due to the ongoing IOPC investigation. The inquest will be picked up on April 25 when a review will be held. Mr Rebello said he was waiting for toxicology and post-mortem results, as well as reports from the IOPC and the roads policing unit which will "take time".
In a heartbreaking tribute issued by Merseyside Police, Rachael's family said she was the "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. The family requests their privacy be respected at this devastating time."
Her family previously said they were "fully supportive" of the IOPC investigation, adding: "We would please ask any witnesses to come forward to assist the IOPC with their enquiries into what happened to our daughter."
Anyone with information is asked to call 03003035727 or email SheilRoad@policeconduct.gov.uk.
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