{"id":12197,"date":"2026-04-12T09:38:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T09:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/12197\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T09:38:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T09:38:27","slug":"woman-killed-on-evening-walk-with-husband-after-decaying-tree-collapses-news-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/12197\/","title":{"rendered":"Woman killed on evening walk with husband after decaying tree collapses | News UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tJen Higgins was crushed by the beech tree as it toppled and fell across the road(Picture: MEN Media; Handout)<\/p>\n

A woman was hit and killed by a decaying tree while on an evening walk with her husband, an inquest has heard. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The 49-year-old was walking with her husband Gawith when they heard a \u2018loud crack\u2019 as a third of the canopy fell away, which was situated in someone\u2019s garden. <\/p>\n

Gawen told Marchester Coroners\u2019 Court: \u2018We had no time to take any kind of evasive action. It was extremely sudden with no warning with no warning.\u2019<\/p>\n

Jen, who ran a PR firm, was declared dead at the scene after suffering multiple traumatic chest injuries. <\/p>\n

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Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates<\/a> newsletter or get Breaking News<\/a> alerts the moment it happens. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"Jen
\n\t\tJen was described as \u2018a beloved wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, and aunt\u2019 (Picture: Handout)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"The
\n\t\tThe fallen branch of a birch tree on Stanton Avenue in Didsbury (Picture: UGC\/MEN Media)<\/p>\n

Gawen was left with bruising and scratching. <\/p>\n

The tree had not been pruned for around 15 years, leaving it to decay with the wood \u2018almost like tissue paper\u2019. <\/p>\n

Paying tribute, Jen\u2019s family said: \u2018The family of Jen Higgins are heartbroken to confirm she lost her life in a sudden and tragic accident.<\/p>\n

\u2018She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, and aunt \u2013 a vibrant and supportive friend to many; and a dynamic and widely respected member of the Manchester\u00a0business\u00a0community.<\/p>\n

\u2018You 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

Recording a verdict of accidental death, assistant coroner Jennifer Swift said: \u2018To me this is nothing short of a tragic, devastating accident that occurred that day.\u2019<\/p>\n

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more stories like this, check our news page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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