We continue to mourn & heal as we wrestle with Rachel’s passing.
In May, we tragically announced that Rachel Jones, beloved child, fiancé, sister, friend & travel blogger, had unexpectedly passed away. We’d like to share a bit more about her passing and the future of her much loved Hippie in Heels.
Her passing
As with anyone who is in the public eye, we understand there’s been some discussion on the cause of Rachel’s passing and we’d like to dispel any rumors.
The medical examiner diagnosed Rachel’s cause of death as a heart disease known as chronic myocarditis, which resulted in a sudden heart attack. We now understand that her condition had been undiagnosed and therefore untreated, but likely developed from multiple infections and viruses over the years.
It is a hard journey, but we are not dwelling on the ‘what-ifs’ of Rachel’s passing. Instead we are mourning love lost, the future that could have been, and reminiscing on joyful memories of her adventures and how she touched our lives.
As we all create a new normal with Rachel in our thoughts, we encourage everyone in need to please speak with friends, counselors, and loved ones to ensure you are supported as you grieve.
What can we expect with Hippie in Heels this summer?
It has taken some time to focus, but we have turned our energies to the blog and uncovered several posts Rachel had written and was preparing to post for Hippie in Heels. They are on a mix of topics from her personal tales and AMAs to packing tips, travel advice, and even one last India post and a very detailed guide about her experience becoming an expat in Mexico. In memory of her we will be posting them in the coming months unedited, her final words illuminating her experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
These posts may be challenging to read, but we want to honor the effort that Rachel made and the stories she wanted to tell. We appreciate you reading her words with us.
What is the long term vision for Hippie in Heels?
Ben, Sam, Travis & Rachel’s parents are exploring options to keep the blog going in Rachel’s memory. This is a significant challenge as Hippie in Heels’ authenticity came from Rachel, her thoughts, her feelings, her opinions, and her happiness from the life she shared with Ben, Omni, Shanti, & KitKat – and no amount of creativity and effort can recreate her uniqueness. We want to keep her fearless spirit and love of travel alive, and we hope Hippie in Heels will continue to inspire and support travelers around the world as they plan their next adventure.
Please keep us in your thoughts as we consider the next steps for Hippie in Heels.
Ben, Travis, Sam, and Rachel’s parents
Very shocked and saddened to hear this. Gosh, life is so short. She’s was and will continue to be an inspiration for me. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
so sorry for your loss. Sad news, but her stories will remain forever.
My sincerest condolences to all who loved her dearly. She was a very unique blogger in the way she interacted with visitors to her sites. Responding to many comments which is so rare for bloggers to do- that’s a major reason I followed her. She even replied to a private message to me. What a great girl with an adventurous spirit. It was because of her blog, I was out at ease going to India. I was so terrified! But I thought, if she can do it- so can I. Thank you for your inspiration and for all your time spent sharing valuable information to others. I really hope the family/close friends keep her blog and FB pages going. Thank you
Thank you so much for this post. We were so taken back by this whole thing and so sad as I’m sure everyone was. I met Rachel in Charlotte prior to her moving to Goa and years later she inspired us and also gave us some personal advice about traveling and starting our own blog. She was such and amazing and kind soul and she will be greatly missed by so many. Please accept our condolences and we wish you the best in keeping her legacy going.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am an older follower, also a nurse and I stumbled across her blog and truly enjoyed her posts. I even sent others a link to her blog. My heart truly goes out to her family and friends. To loose someone so vibrant, so young and so suddenly is beyond words. I pray the pain and the feeling of “hole in your hearts” eventually is becomes less acute. Her memory will live forever. Gosh I hate to hear that Rachel is gone and thank you for dispelling the speculation. I lost a brother suddenly, he was almost 24 and I was 27. I tell people that grief is like a path you never wanted to go on. Again I am so sorry for ALL of you, I’m sure each of you had a special unique relationship with her and are feeling overwhelmed by the loss of beautiful Rachel. Your words said it best and know that others are praying for you.
Oh, I am so shocked! Rachel was one of the bloggers who encouraged me to take risks, leave my job and find my passions. I can’t describe how I feel right now and I can’t imagine the pain you are going through. She was a sunshine and I am sure she is happy where she is.
Let me know if you need any help with the blog, I’d be happy to contribute for free and nothing in return.
(I wont add my site but you can find it through my name and email)
It’s a way for me to honor her memory.
RIP Angel ❤
This is so brave of you all. I wish you well for the future and hope you all,in time heal from your loss.
This is very shocking. I pray for her. RIP
Sending love. She was a beautiful spirit.
I am so sorry for your loss. I just began following her blog and felt such a kindred spirit, her open and fearless sense of adventure is still inspiring. Blessings to her and all who have been touched by her.
Thank you so much for the update. I think about Rachel every day.
I feel so lucky to have read a small part of Rachel’s story over the years. Thank you for sharing an incredibly personal loss, and I’m praying for peace and healing to your family!
I can’t believe this is true. Literally in tears while typing this. How a stranger can mean so much to you is insane. I took my first solo international trip to India 2 years ago for my 21st birthday & my only guide & reference I took along & trusted whole heartedly was thing one. Rachel you will be missed ♥️
Wishing you all courage and peace.
My deepest condolences to your family, Ben, and also Rachel’s furry family. I was very sorry and sad to read of Rachel’s sudden death. I have enjoyed reading both her blogs for a long time and admired her writing and vivacious for life. She came across as decent, kind, gracious and deeply caring. Her style of writing and the authenticity with which she wrote on her blogs will be sorely missed. I am very sorry for your loss.
Will always have a fond memory of Rachel. May her soul Rest In Peace and wish you all have the strength to bear this loss.
Dayton, Ohio
A great loss , I admire you all , I never met Rachel , and understand her love of Goa . X ❤️
Hello to the family of Rachel,
I am so sorry for your loss (and all her readers’ loss). This was very sudden news and while I was new to the world of blogging, I came across Hippie In Heels and found immense inspiration from her blog. Rachel’s stories and written words were amazing and she truly made all of her readers feel like she was there with us. She also gave the utmost beautiful advice. She was one of the bloggers who inspired me to create my blog and I will always thank God for her presence and inspiration. May Rachel’s soul continue to adventure up in Heaven. And, most of all, I wish you guys luck for the future especially in continuing to keep Rachel’s love for her blog alive.
I have been a big fan of Rachel’s blogs and It is always a pleasure reading overtime. Sending my prayers to you all and the departed soul.
I am so very sorry for your loss. She was truly an inspiration. Prayers for understanding and healing.
I’ve been out travelling myself for the past few weeks and it’s just now that I checked in on Rachel’s blog to see what she’d been up to…..I’m so so shocked and sad to learn of her sudden death. My sympathies go out to all of her friends and family.
Dear friends, I join with all Rachel’s readers in being shocked to learn of her passing… all loving thoughts and prayers are with each of you.. her beloved family and companion animals. She was a radiant light…
I’ve been reading her travel blogs for a year or two now, and am also an avid traveler, so especially loved her stories. I’m shocked at this news. She was so full of life, so funny. Sending love to her fiancé and family. Do please keep us posted, whether the blog goes on or not—such an effort that would be.
Debbi
Portland, OR
I was new to this blog, just found it this year in January on my trip to Merida. Rachel was a wealth of knowledge and I appreciated her sharing it freely. I’m so saddened to hear of her passing, she was so young and vibrant. I heart goes out to all her family and friends that are missing her. RIP Rachel, you were a bright and shiny star here on earth and I know you are still shining wherever you are now. Condolences to your family & friends.
I’m so sad to hear this. Rachel will never be forgotten. Thanks to her blog I discovered tips for my travelling in India and shared the love for our dream land. I’ll be forever grateful, she is a beautiful soul. I also lost my family member in such circumstance and I can imagine what you’re going through. My thoughts are with you, parents, fiancée and friends. Hippie in Heels will always be with you and us. Sending you love and healing x
My sympathies thoughts and prayers to all, God knows best.
PRAYERS Keep on , yes please, IN Her honor and memories.
I’m a recent follower and was so inspired by Rachel’s journey and her creativity, spirit and blog. I am shocked and saddened to hear this. I obviously didn’t know her but felt she offered so much to the travel community. When reading some of her posts I felt inspired to return back to india and live more of an unconventional life. Thank you Rach. May her soul rest in peace and her memories and blog continue x
I am so overwhelmed with sadness to hear of Rachel’s passing. I discovered Rachel’s blog at a very low point when I was on a solo trip in India for work and experiencing a lot of loneliness, homesickness and isolation. I read every post on her blog that night, and she gave me the courage to get out of my hotel room on my own and actually see and experience my surroundings. It really changed my outlook for not only that trip, but many other ones. I was inspired by how she lived such a full life and found connections wherever she was. I can’t imagine the loss you all are feeling now. My sympathy goes out to all of you who knew and loved her. Her writing really touched me, and actually changed my life for the better. A life cut short much too soon, but that had a profound impact on many people.
So sorry to hear of Rachel’s passing. A tragedy for her lived ones. She was so full of energy and joy.
Thank you for posting this. I’ve been reading Rachel’s posts for 4-5 years and I will truly miss her (even though I didn’t know her….but I kind of felt like I did.) Through her travel experiences, I got to live vicariously, by visiting exotic locales and traveling to distant countries. Rachel was brave, courageous, and a true modern-day pioneer; She was also an exceptional writer and her posts were always informative, and entertaining. Rachel has been in my thoughts, along with Ben, family and beloved pets. I was looking forward to her life in Merida. How can life just go on? She was taken from us way too soon. I’m SO sorry for your loss. I’m grateful that I found her online, and that she was part of my life, with her blog. I pray that Ben and Rachel’s family can find peace (somewhere!) in her tragic passing.
James 4:14 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Dear Friends, like all of those who think so highly of Rachel and felt that we knew her through her postings, photos, heart-felt messages, I too am so saddened and shocked to learn of her passing. All loving prayers are with her family, her fiancé, her animals who she cared so deeply for… many prayers and much love to each of you.
Because of Hippie in Heels, I found Kiwi.com and traveled to Europe in March! Monday I travel again to Europe, thanks to Rachel. Her blog made me think I could do it…travel. The dream has become reality for me. I like her packing and clothing tips most of all. I offer my sincere condolences and request that you continue the blog. perhaps utilizing input from her fan travelers for content. Life is so unpredictable. Namaste.
i am rekha from india a keen follower of rachels hippie on heals.
i too join in mourning and wish you all strength and good luck to continue the blog.
God is great and by our side .keep going is the motto.
love and regards ,
rekha.
It is as if one of our relative is no more. Indian travel agents used to follow her advices as Bible for travel in India. Really heartening to see young soul depart and wish her soul lay in rest and guide us in future.
So sorry to hear about her loss and our loss. I don’t read blogs. Reading hurts my eyes. But I looked at hers because there was something real and beautiful and special about them. Rest in peace, sweet soul sister. Xx
All the best to her family….she was truly an inspiration for adventure and travel .
Her spirit will never disappear!
Omg. ..it’s really shocking. .she inspired me alot.l learned alot from her that how to enjoy solo travelling. ..
Rachel,
I will pray for you. Have a magical journey back to God.
Thanks for all the experiences you have shared.
I have checked this website so many times before, but recently I started planning to leave my job and go to India. I found this blog really inspired me and got a lot of information here. I’m really sad and shocked hearing her death, truly sorry for your lost, I felt her energy and enthusiasm for her journey she’s really a big lost .I’m praying for her and for you all to be able to continue after her.
My heart is broken. Living vicariously through Rachel’s amazing posts and planning travel destinations from these posts was so fun to do. My heart goes out to her precious family and all her friends who have been saddened by her passing. Warm hugs of comfort to you all…
Wow…I am shocked beyond belief! Someone so young, vibrant, as full of life and the TRUE embodiment of adventure as one can get…..I started following “Hippie” a while ago and totally could relate to her insatiable love of travel. I was in Morocco when she passed. May her family, friends and everyone who was touched by her spirit find peace and relish in the joy of having been blessed to have know and loved her. I noticed in one of the photos of her and the dogs there was a bag of Peanut M&M’s on the table. They are my hands down favorite candy! I leave for Costa Rica this weekend and I will buy a bag (large, of course!) to take with me in honor and memory of Rachel. I think she would give a “thumbs up”!! God Bless.
I’m so so sorry for your loss.
I met Rachel via her blog “Hippie in Heels” and followed her journey as one of the most inspiring expat bloggers in India and Mexico, and her wonderful journey with the joy of her life – Ben and her dog babies.
I used to call her the most popular blogger in India and she was. Very liked and very popular.
As a fellow blogger, I have been inspired by the joy and love she spread to each and every person who read her blog and how she was always willing to share her tips and journeys to anyone who asked.
I’m shocked at how suddenly she passed away.
My thoughts are with Ben and her family.
She was loved by so many people and will be very missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Even though she is no longer with you, please know that her stories and her spirit still inspire me and so many people. I wish all of you healing and peace.
this is so sad. I recently discovered Rachel’s blog while planning a trip to Merida for my birthday and now today just realized she had passed away. Her blog was delightful and so well done. I hope you take some comfort that people are still discovering Rachel’s spirit even after she has left the Earth. I will make sure to follow lots of Rachel’s advice while I am in Merida in tribute to her. My deepest condolences.
really enjoyed her blog…..so sad …all the best to the family and friends. Suggestion…open the blog to fellow readers….many I am sure travel . I spend lots of time travelling the world and could never make my stories as interesting as Rachel’s ….it would be fun to hear?….just a thought.
Keep the blog alive
RIP Rachel
Rachel is an example for us all to chase our dreams and live the life we want and were meant to live. So sorry for your loss.
Will be looking forward to reading the posts that she intended to post in the coming days. She’s in the community’s thoughts.
’m grateful that I found her online, and that she was part of my life, with her blog. I pray that Ben and Rachel’s family can find peace (somewhere!) in her tragic passing.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have read Rachel’s blog for years, she was beyond inspirational to me, she sparked my love of travel and gave me the courage to see and experience some truly amazing things and places. My heart breaks for her family and loved ones.
I just stumbled upon this blog and the first article I read was the one about the packing cubes. So sad that the author of such a great blog is not among us anymore.
I was shocked and saddened to read this tragic post. Although I only discovered Hippie in High heels at the beginning of the year I have enjoyed everything Rachel has written. It has been a lifetime dream of my own to start a travel blog and Rachel’s wonderful blog gave me the inspiration to finally do it. I will always be grateful.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I have been reading Rachel’s blog for a few months now and given the hundreds of pages (and India book) I’ve read, I feel like I know her… She will be missed, very much and I offer my condolences to Ben and family. Even now, as I plan for future travel, possibly to both India and the Yucatan, I am grateful that her blog is still alive and well, guiding my own adventurous spirit with both needed and appreciated advanced details. Thank you for making that possible! She is sUch a guiding light.
It been so long that with my personal stuffs i was not able to check Rachel’s blog. And when I checked in on Rachel’s blog to see what she’d been up to…..I’m so so shocked and sad to learn of her sudden death. My thoughts are with Ben and her family.
We all loved her blog (and of-course her) so much. I am sad and shocked and wont be able to write much. However I sincerely wish God give strength to parents, Ben,her brother and sis-in-law and all her lovely friends. We got connected to you all through her.I can understand the void that got created which only time can heal.Be strong and brave.
I keep on revisiting Rachel’s blog hoping that it was just a bad dream, that it didnt’ happen….that she’s come back from some journey where she didn’t have internet. Her blog was one of my favorites and it inspired me to travel as often as I can with or without others….cuz, you know, if this beautiful young woman can go to India by herself, what’s a trip to Canada, Mexico, Europe?! is a walk in the park, right? I can’t imagine your lives without your daughter, sister, future wife, etc. and hope that as time goes by, it gets easier for you all. My thoughts are with all of you…
Celebrating Sister Starshine at Woodstock tonight.
Condolences to family and friends.
Rest In Rhythm.
I am so very sorry for your loss. She inspired me to act now, even in my time of health issues, on my dreams. You all will be in thoughts, prayers and well wishes for peace and healing.
So sorry for the loss. I am not sure how I discovered Rachel’s blog, but I have found a few tips useful, especially for Merida. My thoughts are with you.
My thoughts are with you all, I have only just been aware of this news. Rachel was a massive inspiration to me and always went to her posts to help me with blogging. She was so lovely, down to earth and genuine. Thoughts with you all x
I’m just now learning about Rachel’s passing. I’m heartbroken!! In fact, because of Rachel, I got the courage to make my own journey solo to India – something I have only dated to dream about until recently. My first stop is going to be to Varanasi. I know what to expect, what to avoid, and now I will be doing something in honor of her when I get there.
Love and light to everyone who loved her. Her footprint is still felt on her readers, and I will be but one of many to honor her over the next months and years!
Indeed it has been a sad time for the travel blogger community to lose an authentic and established voice. It is nice to hear that we can still continue to read some of her unpublished thoughts and blogs although we will all miss her. More power to you guys to carry her legacy forward.
He;lo. There is a poshmark closet under her name Rachel Hippie in Heels…is this her closet and someone else is running it now?
Feeling very sad after reading your blog . I sincerely wish God give strength to parents, Ben,her brother and sis-in-law and all her lovely friends. I’ve been reading Rachel’s posts for 4-5 years and I will truly miss her (even though I didn’t know her….but I kind of felt like I did.Rachel was brave, courageous, and a true modern-day pioneer.I used to call her the most popular blogger in India and she was. Very liked and very popular
I only just read the news of Rachels death and was shocked and so saddened. I have followed her blog for several years and found it to be inspiring, funny, incredibly helpful. and beautifully written. Her love of travel and the amazing encounters with humankind that it can bring shone through her writing. My first trip to India just over a year ago, was enhanced by the information that she shared so generously with all of us. It made absolute sense that I would go straight to her blog when planning my next trip even though I knew she had relocated to Mexico. As a mother my heart goes out to Rachels parents but also to her partner. All I can say, is that she seemed to have lived every minute of life to the maximum, following her dreams and has left an incredible legacy of positive energy in the world. May god bless you all and give you comfort in your loss.
Today I found this blog looking for writing tips and thought I HAVE TO FOLLOW HER EVERYWHERE. She’s definitely the most helpful blogger I’ve read and then I found this, I’m shocked and sad, but I’m grateful for all her amazing tips, thanks to hippie in heels I actually found a starting point after looking for so long. I bet she was great in real life, my heart goes with her family. Love from Mexico.
Prayers. So very sorry for your loss. I just found out via email. Peace.
Wow this is shocking.. I’m very sorry
I just learned of Rachel’s (Hippie in Heals) passing. This is my first trip to India, and her blog and advice columns were so helpful and inspiring. She is beautiful inside and out. I will think of her when I visit India for the first time in November.
I am so so so so sorry for your loss. I never met Rachel, but I’ve read a lot of her blog, and I can tell she was an amazingly courageous person full of love for her family, friends, and life. I have an upcoming trip to India, and I’ve gotten so much information from her site. Rachel is a gifted storyteller, and she has a great way of condensing and simplifying complicated information – I followed her article on getting an Indian visa and it worked PERFECTLY. I am so sad her life was so short, but I am impressed how much she squeezed into it. She really seemed to live life to its fullest, and she will always be an inspiration for that. She’s touched many lives and inspired so many people to pursue goals, step out of their comfort zone, and explore and enjoy life.
I’m so sad today….just found this unbelievable info. Hippie in Heels was my intro to the importance of the blogging world, i found it when Rachel was still living in Goa. It was before she started to work with magazines and she exchanged several emails with me answering my questions. Altho i was much older and had travrled to india before she had i was interested in living there. I couldn’t believe my good fortunate that she answered my emails and made her time and knowledge available to me. What a sparkly, downt to earth wonderful good hearted person she was. Much later on we emailed whrn i tipped her off on a maajji sale….she had just been in the states snd hawaii. The connection i as a stranger felt with this bright sweet spirit was probably representative of how everyone felt who met her, read her posts or got into her orb. I’m so deeply sad that her wonderful and meaningful life was taken so suddenly. I’m sorry for your loss Ben, and for her family. I feel her spirit saying what’s with this sadness, I’m doing amazing things on this side! What a privilege us in the world had to be exposed to her brightness, her enthusiasm and her energy. Thanks to her mama for raising her with LOVE. Rachel exuded love. ☘ Elize
Reading this…wow…to loose such a talented, unique, beautiful (on the inside and out), and inspiring person is a true loss. I will be praying for her family and friends
I am shocked to read about Rachel’s death. So sad news and sorry for your huge loss. Her blog are awesome and very informative for everyone who is used to off travelling. I will truly miss her.
Feeling very sad after reading your blog . I sincerely wish God give strength to parents, Ben,her brother and sis-in-law and all her lovely friends. I’ve been reading Rachel’s posts for 4-5 years and I will truly miss her (even though I didn’t know her….but I kind of felt like I did.Rachel was brave, courageous, and a true modern-day pioneer.I used to call her the most popular blogger in India and she was. Very liked and very popular
I just came across this blog while randomly searching on travel tips. I was going through all the articles/tips she provided and was really amazed with her charm and a free people life she was living. I am deeply shocked to hear that she is no longer there literally I have been on this site for past hour and immediately felt a connection and now she is gone. RIP prayers and condolences to her family, pets and Ben! May another star like you is born to live free!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have subscribed to receive Rachel’s emails about all of her travels on her blog. I just saw this since I am way behind after dealing with some personal stuff. Rachel was and continues to be an inspiration as a strong, independent, happy-go-lucky woman traveling and living in the amazing world we call home. Her posts always made me smile and if I was feeling stressed or having a major case of wanderlust, reading her fun and beautiful words always made me feel better. Thank you for your energy and positivity. You were truly an amazing spirit. Thank you, Rachel. :)
Tears, Just found you and you are gone. Wishing I planned this trip so much earlier. Your aura came through each word and I eagerly purchased your book and so wanted to chat with you. I married a nurse and so I knew right away you had a caring soul. Our life is so fleeting and I’m grateful to hit 61! I won’t waste one minute in India. Thankfully you’ll be there to guide me.
My brother passed away from the same thing back in 2001. He was 20 years old. Words cannot express how much my heart goes out to her family during this time ❤️
I just read this and was shocked. I started following this blog a couple years ago when, as a young female, I was pondering and preparing for solo travel in central america. Rachel’s blog – her photos, spirit, presence, creativity, fun energy- inspired me. What she lived for is so important.
I discovered Rachel’s blog two years ago when I was planning a trip to India. I was completely drawn in by her warmth and enthusiasm so now, having remembered her and thinking I would pop back to see what she’s up to, I am so shocked and saddened to discover what happened! My heart goes out to all who loved and knew her closely. She was clearly such a special soul. Much love to you all
Hello, I just recently found this blog as I’m planning a trip to Merida, Mexico. I’ve been reading her blogs and found them very informative. I’m very sad to read that she has passed away. My condolences to all of her friends and family!
Oh my goodness. I found Rachel’s blog a couple years ago when I was researching before a trip to India. I liked how candid and authentic she was and how relatable her posts were to young women traveling. I had checked in to read periodically and remember she wrote about moving to Mexico. I just came back after a long time, was wondering what she was up to and what she recommended in Mexico. I am shocked to hear about her passing. I admired her for her courage to move abroad and live a very full, adventurous life. I feel for her family and friends. She radiated warmth and fun, she’ll be missed by many for sure.
This site always comes up with tons of new content every now and then!
I keep remembering you and your stories.
Good day! This is my first visit to your blog!
Will be looking forward to reading the posts that she intended to post in the coming days. She’s in the community’s thoughts.
Visited India in early 2018. Inspired to roam the beaches in Goa she loved. Came back today to see what Hippie in Heels is up to. She is sorely missed.
it is surely a a loss
Having just discovered Rachel’s blog, I am saddened. Thank you for keeping the site up as she lives on through her writings. My deepest condolences to you all.
I regret having not known her earlier. I discovered Rachel’s blog only today after reading a collab article of hers. Her work is the testimony of her passion. She will live among us through her writings.
Whenever I start planning a trip, this is the first place I come for inspiration and information. I always loved her style (though can’t really pull it off myself!). I haven’t planned a trip for a couple of years, so I had no idea until now…How heartbreaking. I am so sorry to her family. And so glad this young woman got to live out some of her dreams before being taken too soon. I do hope you keep the blog online, though I hope you don’t feel any pressure to keep it current. I think it’s a wonderful tribute to just have her posts here for world travelers to re-visit from time to time. I know I will keep visiting as long as the site is here.