Woman killed on evening walk with husband after decaying tree collapses

A woman was hit and killed by a decaying tree while on an evening walk with her husband, an inquest has heard.

Jen Higgins was crushed by the beech tree as it toppled and fell across the road and onto the pavement the other side on Barlow Moor Road in West Didsbury, Manchester, last August.

The 49-year-old was walking with her husband Gawith when they heard a ‘loud crack’ as a third of the canopy fell away, which was situated in someone’s garden.

Gawen told Marchester Coroners’ Court: ‘We had no time to take any kind of evasive action.

It was extremely sudden with no warning with no warning.’
Jen, who ran a PR firm, was declared dead at the scene after suffering multiple traumatic chest injuries.

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Gawen was left with bruising and scratching.

The tree had not been pruned for around 15 years, leaving it to decay with the wood ‘almost like tissue paper’.

Paying tribute, Jen’s family said: ‘The family of Jen Higgins are heartbroken to confirm she lost her life in a sudden and tragic accident.

‘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.’
Recording a verdict of accidental death, assistant coroner Jennifer Swift said: ‘To me this is nothing short of a tragic, devastating accident that occurred that day.’
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