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Tributes for UK beauty queen, 25, who died suddenly at work

Jessica Whalley died while working at the racing stables of former football star Michael Owen.

Tributes are flowing for a former beauty pageant contestant and "respected member of the racing community" gone too soon.

Emergency services were called after Jessica Whalley, 25, collapsed at Manor House Stables in the UK.

At around 8.50am on Tuesday, Cheshire Police said in a statement they received reports of the incident and "despite the best efforts" of emergency services and "all those involved", Ms Whalley 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," a spokesperson said, according to The Sun.

The reportedly last public photo of Jessica Whalley, who passed at Manor House Stables, Cheshire in England on Tuesday. Another photo of Jessica riding a horse.
Former UK beauty pageant contestant Jessica Whalley, 25, died while working at Manor House Stables. She is pictured (left) just 72 hours before her death. Source: Twitter/Facebook

Following the tragic death, people were seen to be "in tears," including the owner of the stables and former footballer Michael Owen and staff.

"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."

Who was Jess Whalley?

Since Ms Whalley's passing at the "tender age" of 25, tributes have poured in for the woman, who was the UK contestant in the 2019 Miss Tourism Universe pageant.

"I'm heart broken!," her good friend Jodie Chalmers wrote on Facebook in a post. "My high school bestie, twinnie and partner in crime!"

"I haven't stopped crying since I found out. All our memories flashing through my head, your squeaky voice and your funny laugh, your beautiful face! I am just in disbelief. It would of been your 26th birthday on the 1st April and you had so much talent and charisma... you had your whole life ahead of you!"

Jessica Whalley collapsed and died at stables where she worked. Source: Instagram
Jessica Whalley collapsed and died at stables where she worked. Source: Instagram

Ms Whalley who was working at Manor House Stables as the Travelling Head Person, was a forging her way in the horse racing industry before suddenly passing.

"It’s heartbreaking to hear Jess lost her life today at the tender age of 25," Jockey and friend Zander Voy wrote on Twitter. "She was riding out doing what she loved. We had so many great times working in Dubai. May she rest in peace."

He also shared what is reported to be the last photo of Ms Whalley. "Here’s her just 72 hours ago," he said on Wednesday.

"She was a much loved and respected member of the racing community and taken from us at much too early in age," George McGrath, CEO of the National Association of Racing Staff said, The Sun reports.

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