A family has paid tribute to their “courageous, fun and sensitive” daughter who died falling from a cliff.

Rachel Garrett, 22, was a student, musician and aspiring teacher who died after receiving care from mental health services. She fell from a cliff close to Brighton Marina.

Her family, who are seeking answers about what happened in the days and months leading to her death, have paid tribute to their daughter and shared their grief at her loss.

Andy Garrett, Rachel’s father, said: “Rachel was a courageous, fun, sensitive, loving person who made friends everywhere she went. Her vitality and effervescence were the beating heart of the family.”

Her mother, Sarah, added: “Rachel was a natural campaigner and wanted to use her lived experience of disability and mental ill health to make a difference to others. She was an active ambassador for the eating disorder charity Beat and wanted to become a teacher to help other young people.

“We are devastated by our loss, and hope that the inquest will provide some answers to the many questions that we have about the circumstances surrounding her death.”

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Rachel, from Hove, attended St Paul's Primary and Dorothy Stringer schools.

She was an avid musician and drummer with Brighton band grasshopper.

She played at several major festivals including the Isle of Wight festival and supported hit band The Charlatans.

The Argus: Rachel performingRachel performing (Image: Family handout)

Rachel was receiving care from Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust prior to her death in July 2020. Her care is one of the things the inquest will examine.

The inquest will also investigate other factors in the lead up to her death including contact with Sussex Police, her family said.

Chris Callender, the family’s solicitor from Simpson Millar provided by charity INQUEST, said: “Rachel’s family are understandably devastated by their loss.

“They have a number of questions regarding the care that she received in the months and days leading up to her death, and the support that was made available to her in light of her mental and physical health needs.

“It has been almost three years since her death, and the family hope this inquest will provide them with some further insight into what happened.”

The inquest into Rachel’s death will begin on Monday, May 22.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The matters that are examined at inquest are a decision for the Coroner.

"We have fully supported the coronial process, and will continue to, in any way we can. It would be inappropriate to comment further ahead of the inquest.

"Our thoughts remain with Rachel’s family at this very difficult time."

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust did not wish to comment prior to the inquest.