Rachel Ann Brown, LLB (Died 7 April 2020, aged 25)
Born in October 1994 and originally from Staines in Middlesex, Rachel died on Tuesday 7 April following a road traffic accident. Ms Brown, who lived in Surbiton, was cycling to work (she was as an intelligence analyst for the Metropolitan Police), when she was caught up in a crash involving two other vehicles in South West London.
Paying tribute to her, the Head of Analysis and Research at the force, Tracy Dancy, said: “Rachel was a keen member of the analysis team within Met Intelligence. Joining as an Intelligence Analyst in February 2019, she was hugely popular and a cherished friend and colleague.”
A keen and experienced rower, and a former member of Staines Boat Club before she came to University in Belfast, Rachel joined Queen’s Rowing in 2013. She was a dedicated and committed member, training and competing at a high level throughout her three year duration at the Club, which paid tribute to her on their Facebook page: ‘Queen’s Rowing is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of cherished alumna, Rachel Brown. Whilst she was both a talented and technical oarswoman, Rachel was also a popular crew member, loved and appreciated by so many for her bright nature, her kind heart, her constant encouragement and her colourful kit.
‘Everyone at Queen’s Rowing, from current members to alumni and coaches, send their love and condolences to Rachel’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. Rachel will be forever in our hearts and our memories.’
Club official, Julie McKnight added this personal tribute: “Rachel came to the Boat Club as an experienced junior rower. Her exceptional talent was outweighed only by her incredible ability to bring a team of people together, both on and off the water. Her dedication, not only to the sport, but to the Club as a whole, was undeniable.
“Rachel was a highly determined and motivated athlete. She managed to marry total commitment to the most gruelling of training sessions, with an unwaveringly optimistic attitude. Her enthusiasm for 6:30am training rubbed off on her squad and kept everyone going, with the help of some of her 'out-there' music choices!
“She would always be the first to encourage and congratulate others on test days and at races, whilst herself becoming one of the best performers in the Club, throughout her years with QUBLBC.
“When she returned home to England to continue her studies after completing her degree at Queen’s, Rachel kept those strong ties she had made in Belfast, returning on a number of occasions. Her quirky kit, bizarre food combinations, infectious sense of humour and undeniable love for her friends and family are only a small part of such a big personality that cannot be replaced.
“The rowing family at Queen’s has lost an incredibly dedicated athlete, an honest, hardworking and trustworthy member of the Club and a loving and loyal friend."
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