Revealed: Ex-wife of millionaire private equity boss and a founder of a domestic abuse charity fell to her death from Manchester tower block
Rachel O'Hare, 49, was killed falling from a block of flats in Manchester on June 30 in a tragedy described by police as 'non-suspicious'.
It has now emerged that Ms O'Hare, who founded a domestic abuse charity, was previously married to wealthy investment firm manager, Steve O'Hare.
The couple, who married in 2000, had lived together in a four-bedroom detached house worth £2million in the exclusive 'golden triangle' Cheshire village of Mere. Their three children went to a prestigious independent school.
A family friend said: 'Rachel and Steve had been married for a long time and raised a family together.
'Although they eventually went their separate ways, they both continued to care deeply about their children.
'Those who knew Rachel remember her as a kind, energetic woman who put others before herself.
'Her death has come as a deep shock to everyone who knew her.'
Mr O'Hare, 50, is the co-managing partner of Equistone Partners Europe, an independent investment firm.
He lives in a £2million five-bed house in affluent Knutsford, in an area popular with Premier League footballers.
Ms O'Hare was pronounced dead after falling from the Victoria House apartments onto Great Ancoats Street on June 30.
Her death is not being treated as suspicious. An inquest will open next week.
Tributes poured in for the widely-respected fundraiser, who had dedicated her time to helping vulnerable women in refuges.
Her charity Elle for Elle aimed to support women in need by offering them basic toiletries and beauty products, with the organisation even understood to be the subject of praise in Westminster.
Ms O'Hare is also believed to have held a role with The Cheshire Magazine, coordinating charity events both in the area and further afield.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said in a statement at the time: 'We were called to Great Ancoats Street at about 7am to reports the body of a woman had been found.
'It appears she [had] fallen from a building but officers are currently investigating to determine the circumstances.'
Dutch tourist Paul Melis, 34, who was staying at the Leonardo Hotel next door, said: 'Apparently she fell in the early hours.
'It's very sad. We had something to eat and came back at midnight and nothing had happened.
'Then we were told the police were there and a woman was found on the pavement after falling from the flats. It's very sad.'
A police cordon was in place for nearly six hours before it was dismantled by police. The area had also been cleaned.
One worker said: 'I was told she had fallen from one of the upper flats. I think she was a resident but I'm not sure who she was.'
Builder Matt Armstrong, 29, said: 'There was a police van and blue flashing flat when I arrived.
'There was a lot of police everywhere and people looked shocked. People walking to work had seen the body. It's shocking.'
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