Tributes have been paid to a young woman who died at the stables owned by former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen.
Emergency services raced to Manor House Stables in Malpas, Cheshire on Tuesday morning after a 25-year-old woman collapsed. Tragically, she could not be saved. Police say her death is not being treated as suspicious.
She has now been named by friends as Jessica Whalley, a former beauty queen and a 'much loved and respected member of the racing community' the Mirror reports. She is said to have worked as a transport manager at Manor House Stables.
READ MORE: Young dad-of-five dies weeks after horrific motorbike crash during dream trip to Thailand
Friend Jessica Mair wrote on Facebook saying: "So sad seeing him [Michael Owen] and all his staff in tears today .. after such a shock to them .. such a young age , no health problems 25 is no age .. life really is too short for we never really know how long we have .. thoughts go out to her family and friends."
"It is with deep sadness that we have to announce that a much-valued member of our team died at work this morning," Manor House Stables said in a statement. "The family have been informed and both the family and the team at Manor House request privacy at this time."
In a touching tribute George McGrath, CEO of the National Association of Racing Staff, described Ms Whalley as a "much loved and respected member of the racing community."
"Jessica had worked in Newmarket for a time," he said. "She had gone to rejoin Hugo Palmer in Cheshire. She was a much loved and respected member of the racing community and taken from us at much too early in age."
Jockey Zander Voy also wrote his own tribute on social media following the tragedy. "It’s heartbreaking to hear Jess lost her life today at the tender age of 25," he wrote.
"She was riding out doing what she loved. We had so many great times working in Dubai. May she rest in peace. Here’s her just 72 hours ago"
The Daily Mail reported that in 2019, Ms Whalley entered the Miss Tourism Universe pageant and reached the last ten, with the event held in Beirut and broadcast by MTV.
Following the initial news of the tragedy, announced yesterday, a number of people also posted messages of condolence. Trainers Fergal O’Brien and Graeme McPherson, said: “Thoughts with all involved.”
Another social media user said: “Gosh this is absolutely awful news. I am so sorry. Deepest condolences to you all and the family who have lost a loved one.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Cheshire Police said: "At around 8.50am today police were made aware that a 25-year-old woman had collapsed at a stables on Old Coach Road, Malpas.
"Emergency services attended the location and, despite the best efforts of all those involved, the woman sadly died at the scene.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and her next of kin have been informed. A file will be prepared for the coroner."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Leaked email shows RBH told staff it was 'not racist' days after Awaab inquest - as damning report shows 'disturbing' prejudices and 'lazy assumptions'
- Tributes pour in for TV star Paul O'Grady following his 'unexpected' death aged 67
- Tragedy of 'overwhelmed' IT worker, 37, found dead at home
- Police want to extradite alleged 'mastermind' of Thomas Campbell killing after arrest in South America
- Inside the £3.9m LA-style home with an indoor pool in Greater Manchester's most expensive area
