A WOMAN killed by a falling tree branch has been named and pictured as her family pay a heartbreaking tribute.
Jen Higgins, 49, died at the scene in Barlow Moor Road on August 30 following the freak incident.
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In a statement, 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.”
Emergency services rushed to the road following a call at around 7.15pm but Jen died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.
“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,” a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said at the time.
“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.”
A member of staff at Barlow Moor petrol station, who asked not to be named, described seeing the tree “snap” moments before the tragedy unfolded.
They said: “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.”
An inquest into Jen’s death is due to open at Manchester Coroners’ Court on September 23.
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