Tragic Death of Manchester PR Executive After Tree Branch Collapse
A 49-year-old woman was killed instantly after taking the full force of a massive falling branch from a decaying tree during an evening walk with her husband, a coroner's court has heard. The incident occurred on August 20, 2025, on Barlow Moor Road in Manchester, when Jen Higgins had no time to react as the tree collapsed across the roadway onto the opposite pavement.
Husband's Harrowing Account of the Incident
Gawen Higgins, who was also injured by the falling beech tree, told Manchester Coroner's Court that his wife "took the full force" of the branch. He described hearing a "loud crack" before approximately one-third of the tree's canopy crashed to the ground, giving them no opportunity for evasive action.
"I was in a state of shock – Jen was on the pavement and not responding," Mr. Higgins testified during the emotional inquest proceedings. He recalled seeing "a lot of diseased, rotten wood" scattered across the ground after the catastrophic failure of the tree.
Decaying Tree with "Tissue Paper" Wood
The beech tree had been growing on privately owned land near the Stanton Avenue junction and had been suffering from fungal decay for an extended period. The inquest heard that the tree's wood, which hadn't been pruned for at least 15 years, had deteriorated to the point where it was "almost like tissue paper."
Noel Nugent, a senior arboricultural officer with Manchester City Council, explained that the decay affecting the "substantial branch" would not have been visible before its sudden collapse. He described the fungus as "particularly aggressive" and suggested it likely began when the tree was previously cut back, developing over "years and years" of unchecked progression.
Emergency Response and Fatal Outcome
An off-duty nurse immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Mrs. Higgins, with emergency services arriving within minutes of the incident. Despite their concerted efforts, the 49-year-old PR executive was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:40 PM on what her husband described as "a warm, pleasant evening."
The post-mortem examination determined that Mrs. Higgins died from multiple traumatic chest injuries caused by blunt force trauma. Her husband sustained bruising and scratches during the incident, which occurred while they were walking with another couple.
Property Owner's Perspective and Aftermath
Karim Manssour-Dahbi, who owned the land where the tree stood, testified that a general survey conducted when he purchased the property in 2020 had not identified any issues with the trees. He stated that all seven trees on his grounds appeared to be "healthy with strong green growth" and expressed his sincere condolences to Mrs. Higgins' family.
Approximately four to five months after moving into the property, Mr. Manssour-Dahbi had hired a tree surgeon to trim leaves because a shadow was preventing grass growth. Following the fatal incident, he was ordered to have the remainder of the tree removed, leaving only the trunk standing.
Coroner's Findings and Safety Considerations
Assistant Coroner Jennifer Swift concluded that the death was accidental, noting there was no Tree Preservation Order in place and the tree wasn't located in a conservation area. She emphasized that tree owners are not legally required to inspect for decay, describing the incident as "nothing short of a tragic, devastating accident."
The experienced tree surgeon who testified at the inquest highlighted that while property owners have a duty of care to ensure their trees are safe, not everyone possesses the expertise to recognize warning signs of potential failure.
Remembering Jen Higgins: A Vibrant Life Cut Short
Jen Higgins was the founder and joint managing director of PR firm Carousel, which she operated with her husband, bringing over 20 years of experience in consumer public relations and social media campaigns. Following the inquest, her grieving husband paid tribute to his beloved wife, whom he married in 2010, celebrating her professional achievements and personal passions for "yoga, travel and walking."
In a previous statement, her heartbroken family described Mrs. Higgins as "a vibrant and supportive friend to many" and "a dynamic and widely respected member of the Manchester business community." They acknowledged the "deep and profound shock" they were experiencing while requesting privacy during their grieving process.
