Eternally missed · Issue 844, by Helen Thompson

Floral tributes adorn Music School after sudden death of third-year Rachel

A third-year Cardiff student has died unexpectedly, after being rushed to hospital two weeks ago.

Music student Rachel Copp was due to graduate this summer, but died on Wednesday May 16 following a short illness.

The 21-year-old pianist is remembered by her friends and peers as a cheerful person who was always ‘positive and vibrant’.

Rachel had been unwell for a few weeks, and was taken into the Heath Hospital on Friday May 11.

On the following Sunday, she underwent surgery to remove part of a brain tumour, but unfortunately never recovered.

Her parents and younger brother and sister were with her when she died.

Her long-term boyfriend has travelled home from Cardiff since the loss, and friends and acquaintances remaining in Cardiff are said to be ‘shocked and sad’.

Laura Foster, a fellow music student and close friend of Rachel’s, said: “She was a beautiful person who we loved to be around. She was always smiling and a good friend to many music students.”

The statue outside the School of Music on Corbett Road has been covered with flowers in Rachel’s memory, and many have continued to use her Facebook wall to leave tributes and commemorations.

Most emphasise Rachel’s bright personality, with one friend commenting: “You are not someone who will be forgotten. Even by people who barely knew you. Your massive smile has happymaking power!”

Rachel has been described as a determined student, who handed her dissertation in only the week before her death.

Head of the School of Music, Professor Robin Stowell said: “We are doing everything we can to provide support for the student community in the School at this sad and very difficult time.”

The School of Music intends to organize coach travel to Rachel’s funeral, which will be held on Tuesday May 29 in her hometown of Plymouth, to transport the many students who it is expected will want to attend.

A memorial concert in celebration of Rachel’s life is also being planned by the music department, in consultation with Rachel’s close friends and family, for the end of June.

Friends have praised the University’s handling of the situation, saying that lecturers and staff have been supportive and helpful.

A University spokesperson said: “The University’s thoughts and condolences are with the student’s family and friends at this sad time and the University’s Counselling Service is available to those affected.”