Jen Higgins, a 49-year-old founder and joint managing director of the PR firm Carousel, has been identified as the woman who tragically died after being struck by a falling tree branch in south Manchester. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 30, at the junction of Barlow Moor Road and Stanton Avenue in West Didsbury. Despite the prompt response from emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a file regarding her death has been submitted to Manchester Coroners' Court. Jen, known affectionately as "Jen" to her friends and family, was a prominent figure in the Manchester business community. Her family expressed their heartbreak in a statement, saying, "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."

Jen founded Carousel in 2011, based in the Northern Quarter, and led the firm alongside her husband, Gawen Higgins. Under her leadership, Carousel has collaborated with numerous high-profile clients, including Selfridges, Printworks, Legoland, and the People's Postcode Lottery. The agency has received multiple accolades, including recognition at the UK Content Awards 2024 and last year's Top 50 PR Agencies.

In her biography on the Carousel website, Jen was described as a "multi-tasker extraordinaire" with a passion for social media and a keen interest in staying updated on industry trends. She was also known for her love of live music and travel, often bringing her enthusiasm for these interests into her work at Carousel.

An inquest into Jen's death is scheduled to open at Manchester Coroners' Court on September 23. Following the incident, bouquets of flowers were placed at the scene, including a heartfelt tribute from her colleagues that read, "Thank you for always being our inspiration. We will miss you dearly. Love from, Your Team xxx."

In a 2015 interview, Jen reflected on her agency's success, stating, "We have a fantastic client portfolio and are lucky enough to work with clients and brands that we genuinely love and have a real passion for. We have also been able to attract some great talent to the agency in recent years and have a brilliant team in place." Her sudden passing has left a profound impact on those who knew her and the wider community.