Following the conclusion of an inquest into the death of 30-year-old Rachael Stratton, the Stratton family have paid tribute to their talented and totally irreplaceable daughter.
Rachael was born in Newport on the 12th of July 1989. She was killed in Newchurch on 23rd June 2020 aged just 30.
Rachael’s passion was theatre and performing. At an early age she took to the stage with Newchurch Drama Group and South Wight Youth Theatre, and choreographed Sandown High School’s Global Rock Challenge entries.
At the time she was killed, Rachael had been working professionally as an actress, singer and dancer since graduating with a National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre from Performers College in 2011.
For 18 months Rachael worked as lead vocalist on three AIDA Cruise ships giving her the opportunity to travel the world. She also had roles in a number of UK touring musicals. She toured Italy with Shrek the Musical. She was a member of Shanklin Theatre’s resident Spotlight team performing in Christmas pantomimes and Beyond the West End.
While living in London, Rachael worked for two arts education companies teaching performing arts in schools across the country.
Her touring contracts gave her lots of opportunity to see the world, Rachael believed that she should make the most of opportunities that came her way. She was not fearless but she was courageous, adventurous and tenacious, going horse riding in a rain forest, skiing, learning to scuba dive and doing a sky dive in Aruba.
Her partner Richard Morris shared her love of travel and they had many adventures together. He was the love of her life and that love was reciprocated.
She made herself very aware of current affairs and was an avid supporter of many projects which positively promoted the LGBT community, Black Lives Matter and protecting the environment. Her motto was ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind’.
In the days before Lockdown in March 2020, she decided to return to the Island where, due to all entertainment industries being closed because of Covid, she was out of work and not eligible for furlough. Her response to this was to focus her talents on finding ways to bring communities together and make the lives of those around her better. From socially distanced street dances, to online seated exercises, quizzes and bingo, she spent the last months of her life putting smiles on people’s faces and bringing joy into the homes of people with little to no contact with others.
As a family, the feelings of heartbreak, loss, pain and anger that we will carry with us because of this tragedy are a burden, but we try every day to focus on what a privilege it was to have Rachael be part of our lives. Rachael wrote a letter in 2015 which we found in the days after she was killed. It was headed: ‘To my future self…’
“You don’t know where you will go, what you will do, or who you will meet along the way… but promise you will live, laugh and love. Be happy and healthy. Take care of yourself and others. Spend time with friends and family and always do your best. Tomorrow is a mystery so enjoy today. Smile. Take in the view and make the most of everything. Enjoy! X Love from Rachael”
Rachael was one of the most generous, kind, brave, creative, silly and often stubborn people we’ll ever know. She was talented, strong, principled, beautiful, utterly incredible and totally irreplaceable. We are heartbroken to have lost this shining star that brought so much fun, love and laughter into our lives.
Beautifull inside and out what a tragic loss to the world and her loving family and friends R.I.P. Beautifull Rachael ❤
A truly amazing person who’s life was cut short by tragedy. My sincerest and heart felt condolences to the Stratton family and Richard. If only the world was full of Rachael’s, then life would be simply perfect.