FAMILY, friends and loved ones of a “brilliantly talented” young musician have expressed their shock at her death.

Rachel Garrett was the drummer of Brighton band grasshopper, who have just released their first LP.

“She was a total original: wonderful company and a loyal, loving person with a strong friendship group who are absolutely devastated by her loss,” her family said.

Emergency services were called to the cliffs at Brighton Marina on July 29, but sadly 22-year-old Rachel was pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest into the death of the former St Paul’s Primary and Dorothy Stringer Secondary School pupil was opened by coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley this week.

Rachel’s family, including mum Sarah Garrett, said Rachel had battled cerebral palsy from the age of two, but had a “fiercely independent spirit”.

She loved music and joined grasshopper as the drummer when she was 14 in 2012.

They had enjoyed success, supporting bands such as The Charlatans and performing at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2014.

In a tribute on Facebook, the band said they were “devastated” over the loss of Rachel.

They said: “She was an immensely strong and giving person, always quick to laugh (and usually the last to stop), as well as a wildly talented and supportive bandmate.

“If you met her in person or saw her in action then you’ll know she was like no one else – a complete original and a wonderful, wonderful friend.

“The world won’t be the same without her. We love you Rach.”

Meanwhile her music teacher at Dorothy Stringer Peter Davison said: “I am completely devastated at her tragic death. Rachel was a star.

“She was brilliantly talented, charismatic, warm, deeply empathetic, loyal, wonderfully kind and so very funny. I don’t believe she had any idea how much she was loved among her friends, and looked up to.

“She was a fabulous drummer. Her energy and individuality shone in her playing, and was integral to the sound of her much-loved band grasshopper.

“Performances were fueled by Rachel’s driving rhythm and iconic performance. I loved watching them perform.”

Her family said: “Rachel was a beloved daughter, granddaughter and sister.

“We will remember her for her vitality, her infectious sense of humour and her kind, compassionate and caring nature.

“She had the ability to bring out the best in people, especially those who were vulnerable themselves.”

Mrs Garrett said Rachel defied doctors’ expectations and learned to walk thanks to treatment at the Dame Vera Lynn School in Billingshurst and osteopathy at Dolphin House Clinic in New Road, Brighton.

More recently she attended Bath Spa University, where she was awarded her degree in English literature and secondary education. She had hoped to become a teacher.

Her family thanked the coroner for opening the inquest, and said they will miss Rachel’s passion and verve.