A public relations firm director died almost instantly when a massive branch from a decaying tree fell on her during an evening walk with her husband, a coroner's inquest has determined.
Tragic Incident on Balmy Summer Evening
Jen Higgins, 49, was walking hand-in-hand with her husband Gawen in West Didsbury on August 30 last year when the tragic accident occurred. The couple, who co-owned the PR firm Carousel, had decided to take a quick stroll around 7pm on what was described as a "balmy summer evening."
Sudden Collapse with No Warning
Witnesses reported hearing a "loud crack" before the enormous branch came crashing down across the pavement, road, and opposite pavement. Gawen Higgins told Manchester Coroner's Court that they had "no time to take any kind of evasive action" when the branch fell.
"It was extremely sudden with no warning," he stated in his testimony. While he escaped with only minor bruising and scratches, his wife "took the full force" of the falling branch.
Hidden Decay in Mature Beech Tree
The inquest heard that the mature beech tree, located within a private garden, had been pruned approximately 15 to 20 years earlier. This pruning had led to unseen decay that left the wood "almost like tissue paper," according to evidence presented.
Coroner Ms. Swift noted that the tree had suffered "significant decay" that would not have been "visible" to casual observation. Approximately one-third of the tree's canopy fell away during the incident.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Despite immediate assistance from off-duty medics and other passersby who rushed to the scene, Ms. Higgins died on the pavement. The couple had been walking with another pair who reported hearing "loud screaming" before discovering Ms. Higgins on her back beneath the massive branch.
The coroner recorded the cause of death as "multiple traumatic chest injuries" resulting from "blunt force trauma to the chest." She described Ms. Higgins as "clearly a much-loved wife, daughter, sister and I'm sure a dearly loved colleague and friend of many."
Questions About Tree Safety Regulations
During the proceedings, the coroner addressed questions about responsibility for tree safety. She stated there was no legal requirement for property owners to "go and look for it and have it inspected" for hidden decay.
Ms. Swift also noted it was "not clear" whether the homeowner or the tree surgeon he consulted was responsible for checking if the tree fell within a conservation area. "It's regrettable we now know there was no Tree Preservation Order or conservation order," she added.
The coroner confirmed that the tree has since "been dealt with professionally" to prevent further incidents.
Family's Heartbreaking Statement
Following the hearing, the family declined to comment but had previously released a statement describing their profound grief. "The family of Jen Higgins are heartbroken to confirm she lost her life in a sudden and tragic accident," the statement read.
They remembered her as "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."
The family requested privacy while grieving and indicated they would issue further statements when emotionally prepared.
