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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Edrich

Tributes paid to ex-beauty queen, 25, who died at Michael Owen's stables

A young woman who collapsed and died at stables owned by Michael Owen has been named by her friends.

Crews from North West Ambulance Service were called to the former Liverpool FC star's Manor House Stables in Malpas, Cheshire shortly before 7.30am yesterday, March 28. Cheshire Police attended later at around 8.50am following reports a 25-year-old woman had collapsed.

The woman has today been named as former beauty queen Jessica Whalley. The Mirror reported Ms Whalley worked as a transport manager at the stables on Old Coach Road, Malpas. 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.

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"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."

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 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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