A WOMAN was killed by a decaying tree after a huge branch fell on her as she took an evening stroll with her husband, an inquest heard.
Jen Higgins, 49, had no time to react as the mature beech tree toppled across the road and on to the pavement on the other side.
Her husband Gawen told Manchester Coroners’ Court his wife “took the full force” of the falling branch during the horror on August 30 last year.
Tragically, Jen could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene in Manchester.
Her cause of death was given as multiple traumatic chest injuries caused by blunt force trauma.
An inquest heard the tree, situated in the garden of a home, had been pruned 15 to 20 years previously and as a result had developed unseen decay, which left the wood “almost like tissue paper”.
Jen and Gawith were walking with another couple when they heard a “loud crack” as a third of the canopy of the tree fell away.
Gawith, who was left with bruising and scratching, said: “We had no time to take any kind of evasive action. It was extremely sudden with no warning.”
Noel Nugent, a senior arboricultural officer at Manchester council, told the court the tree was not covered by a Tree Preservation Order and was not in a conservation area.
He said it had suffered “significant decay’ but that this would not have been “visible”.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, assistant coroner Jennifer Swift said there was no requirement for the tree owners to look for any decay or have it inspected.
She added: “To me this is nothing short of a tragic, devastating accident that occurred that day.”
Jen ran Northern Quarter-based PR firm Carousel with her husband.
Paying tribute previously, her 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.”
