FRIENDS of a Wirral teenager who tragically took her own life gathered in their dozens outside her former school this week to celebrate what would have been her 17th birthday.
Rachelle Owen, a student at Hilbre High School Humanities College, died on April 17 after stepping in front of a train at the crossing on Drummond Road in Hoylake.
She was the daughter of Kay Diamond, who was murdered in February in a violent attack by partner Anthony Blye. He was jailed for life last week.
Friends gathered outside Hilbre High on Tuesday evening - on what would have been Rachelle's 17th birthday.
Candles, flowers, photographs, cards and balloons lined the fence as youngsters paid tribute to the teenager, described by her friends and family as a "beautiful, vibrant, loved daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece".
Close friend Tom Westaway Jones, from Pensby, said: “I was very close to Rachelle as we had loads of things in common and I always used to comfort her as we have both lost our mothers.
“She went to Hilbre High and I’m in Pensby but Rachelle used to come to my school – I was with her every weekend when we all used to go out.”
He added: "Thank you to everyone that came and contributed last night, Rachelle would have loved that if she was down here. It's just really sad that a young life was cut so short. RIP our angel."
Rachelle's best friend Ellie Higgins said: "We've been best friends for five years and I can remember sitting in her back garden for her 15th birthday, her loss has majorly affected all the friends and family, RIP Rachelle Owen."
In April, more than 100 people took part in a “Run for Rach” from West Kirby to the end of the Wirral Way.
The event – which saw people run, walk and cycle – raised money for a memorial to Rachelle a swell as going towards helping her family.
An inquest into Rachelle’s death heard she had left her home at around 9pm on April 17 after telling her family she was going for a walk.
Friends remember Rachelle Owen. Picture by Geoff Davies.
She then walked to Drummond Road, where she was struck by the West Kirby loop train at 9.30pm.
Liverpool Coroner Andre Rebello said he was satisfied Rachelle had taken her own life.
In a statement, Rachelle’s family said: "Rachelle was a beautiful, vibrant, loved daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece, who attended Hilbre High School Humanities College.
"She will be greatly missed forever by all of her family and friends.
"This is a double tragedy to our family following the recent death and funeral of her mum, Kay Diamond."
Friends of Rachelle Owen leave candles and balloons outside her former school. Picture by Geoff Davies.
Tributes left for Rachelle Owen in Hoylake.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here