Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for a 'lovely' former postal worker and animal lover who was tragically killed in a crash near Woodhead Pass. Jean Higginbottom has been named as the 73-year-old woman killed in a crash on Manchester Road, near Tintwistle, on Wednesday (August 19).
Crash details and police investigation
Derbyshire Police says Jean, from Hyde, was driving her silver Renault Clio along Manchester Road when a Nissan Pixo collided with her car close to Millbrook House at 2.30pm that day. Paramedics and police rushed to Jean's aid, but she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Since Jean was named as the crash victim on Thursday, tributes have poured in on the Manchester Evening News' Facebook page, from people who knew and loved her.
Tributes from friends and former colleagues
Bea, of Art by Bea Creations in Glossop, posted: "My lovely Godmother, truly one of a kind lady will be missed by many. RIP Jean."
Taz Mass wrote: "Jean was a jolly, kind and caring lady. We always competed against each other with her piebald pony Marie and my piebald cob Murphy, many years ago at New Barn shows. She has been to my house a couple of times too. Not seen her in a number of years but do have fond memories of her and her devotion to her animals. Sending sympathies to her family."
Rose Elizabeth said: "She was [a] truly amazing person inside and out and a force to be reckoned with! I'm absolutely heartbroken. Rest in peace Jean until we meet again, wait for me with a glass of pinot."
Linda Leonard added: "Jean always had a smile and funny words to say. Only saw her at New Barn Shows, she had the biggest character. She showed her Shetlands there . Over the Rainbow bridge now Jean. RIP x huge love and sympathies to the family."
Among those paying tribute to Jean were former colleagues at Royal Mail. Paul Herring wrote: "Very sad worked with Jean on the post for years."
Jeannette Millward commented: "Worked with Jean at Royal Mail [delivery office] Hyde for many years. R.I.P Jean....condolences to your family xx"
Others paid tribute to the 'lovely lady' with a 'beautiful soul'. Suzanne Andrews wrote: "Jean was a lovely lady and really didn't deserve this."
Kirsty Jayne said: "She use to call into Tesco Hattersley quite often… Loved her funky green hair… RIP x" Kathryn Thomas added: "RIP she was the post lady in Broadbottom for years. Always walking her dogs RIP Jean."
Susan Haywood wrote: "RIP beautiful xx" Yvonne Parry said: "RIP Jean it was a joy to know you lovely lady x" Sherry Furiosa posted: "RIP Jean you beautiful soul love and miss you." Nicola Parry added: "RIP Jean. Such a lovely lady xx"
Arrest and ongoing investigation
Derbyshire Police says the Nissan driver, a man in his 20s from Hyde, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed as enquiries continue. Jean's family have been informed of her death and are being supported by specialist officers, the force says.
Enquiries are ongoing. A Derbyshire Police spokesperson added: "Officers remain keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, and has not already been spoken to by officers, as well as anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage that may be able to help their enquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to call the force on 101 on or through their website or Facebook page, quoting the reference number 26000497396. The Woodhead Pass was closed between Hollingworth and neighbouring Tintwistle for almost eight hours as specialist officers carried out investigation work and contractors dealt with a spillage at the scene.
