Rachel O’Hare: Domestic Abuse Charity Worker Dies After Falling From Manchester Building

A woman who died after falling from a high-rise building in Manchester city centre was a respected domestic abuse charity worker.

Rachel O’Hare, in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene on Monday morning. Emergency services were called to Great Ancoats Street at around 7 a.m. following reports of a body found on the pavement.

Police Launch Investigation

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed the woman appeared to have fallen from a building. Officers cordoned off the area around the Leonardo Hotel and Victoria House apartments. The police roadblock remained for nearly six hours while investigations took place.

GMP said: “We were called to Great Ancoats Street at about 7 a.m. to reports a woman’s body was found. It appears she had fallen from a building. The circumstances are still under investigation.”

Tributes Pour In for Rachel O’Hare

Rachel O’Hare was well known for her charity work supporting vulnerable women. She founded Elle for Elle, a charity dedicated to helping women in refuges by providing toiletries and beauty products. The charity received praise even in Westminster but was officially dissolved in 2022.

She also worked with The Cheshire Magazine, coordinating charity events locally and beyond.

Locals and colleagues describe Rachel as a kind and caring person. Many have expressed sadness and paid tribute to her dedication to helping women facing domestic abuse.

Eyewitness and Local Reactions

Dutch tourist Paul Melis, staying at the Leonardo Hotel, said: “Apparently she fell in the early hours. We came back around midnight and saw nothing. Then we heard police were here and a woman was found on the pavement. It’s very sad.”

Local builder Matt Armstrong described the scene: “There were police everywhere, blue lights flashing. People looked shocked. Passersby saw the body. It was a shocking morning.”

One worker near the scene said: “I was told she fell from one of the upper flats. I think she lived here, but I don’t know who she was.”

About Rachel O’Hare

• Age: Early 40s

• Charity worker and fundraiser

• Founder of Elle for Elle charity

• Known for helping domestic abuse survivors

• Associated with The Cheshire Magazine

• Originally from the Wirral

• Believed to be a mother

What Happens Next?

Police continue to investigate the exact circumstances of Rachel’s fall. They are looking into whether it was accidental, self-harm, or foul play. The area has been cleaned and reopened after the police cordon was lifted.