Tributes have been paid to a young woman who tragically died at the stables owned by former football star Michael Owen. Ex-beauty queen Jessica Whalley collapsed and died early on Tuesday.
Michael Owen and his staff were reportedly in tears as attempts to revive her by paramedics failed. Friend Jessica Mair wrote on Facebook: "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."
Former jockey Zander Voy wrote on Twitter: "It’s heartbreaking to hear Jess lost her life today at the tender age of 25. She was riding out doing what she loved. We had so many great times working in Dubai. May she rest in peace."
The incident happened at the Manor House Stables in Cheshire just across the border from Wales. Cheshire Police confirmed they attended at around 8.50am on March 28 following reports a 25-year-old woman had collapsed. A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "At around 8.50am today, Tuesday 28 March, 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."
The Daily Mail reported Ms Whalley had entered the Miss Tourism Universe pageant in 2019 and reached the last ten.
George McGrath, CEO of the National Association of Racing Staff, described Whalley as a "much loved and respected member of the racing community".
Manor House Stables said: "It is with deep sadness that we have to announce that a much-valued member of our team died at work this morning. The family have been informed and both the family and the team at Manor House request privacy at this time."
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