Woman killed by falling tree branch in Manchester pictured as 'vibrant' wife

A woman killed by a falling tree branch in Manchester has been pictured.

Jen Higgins, 49, was killed when a branch fell on her as she walked along Barlow Moor Road in West Didsbury, Manchester, on August 30. Emergency services raced to the scene at about 7:15pm but could not save her.

Ms Higgins had been the founder and joint managing director of the PR firm Carousel and had 20 years of experience working on social media and PR campaigns. A emotional tribute shared by her family said: "The family of Jen Higgins are heartbroken to confirm she lost her life in a sudden and tragic accident.

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"She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, and aunt - a vibrant and supportive friend to many; and a dynamic and widely respected member of the Manchester business community.

"You will no doubt empathise with the deep and profound shock we are feeling at this moment and ask for privacy while we grieve. A further statement will be issued when we feel able."

Her company profile described her as a "fan of live music and travel" as well as a "multitasker extraordinaire" with a strong contact list and "love of social media."

A staff member, who recalled seeing the branch snap and fall, told the Manchester Evening News: "The tree just snapped, it was a big branch and just fell. A woman was walking underneath.

"The weather was a bit windy but not strong. A few locals came out and some of them were doctors so they were trying to help her. Then the ambulance came and police closed the road.

"It is a big tree and it was a massive branch that fell - blocking off all the road. It was two or three thick branches that fell at once."

A Greater Manchester Police previously said: "At around 7:15pm on Saturday, August 30, we were called to reports a tree had fallen onto a woman on Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury.

"Despite the best efforts of emergency workers, a woman in her 40s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious."