Ex-beauty queen, 25, who collapsed and died at Michael Owen's stables
EXCLUSIVE – Pictured: Former beauty queen, 25, who collapsed suddenly and died at Michael Owen’s stables
- Jessica Whalley collapsed and died yesterday at the Manor House Stables
- Stables are owned by ex-footballer Owen, who was in tears over Jessica’s death
This is the tragic young woman who died at the stables owned by ex-Liverpool and England star Michael Owen yesterday.
Owen and staff at Manor House Stables were in tears when horsewoman and former beauty queen Jessica Whalley, 25, collapsed and could not be revived by paramedics, according to witnesses.
Known as Jess to her colleagues, she was a transport manager at the stables near Malpas, Cheshire, which are also owned by the former striker’s daughter, Love Island star Gemma Owen, 19.
One friend, Jessica Mair posted 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.
Jessica Whalley (pictured), 25, tragically died at work at Michael Owen’s Manor Farm Stables
Ex-England star Owen and staff at Manor House Stables were in tears following Jessica’s death
Jessica collapsed and could not be revived by paramedics at the stable complex in Cheshire
Jessica is listed as one of the transport managers at Manor House Stables and also rode horses
Emergency services attended the stables around 7.30am yesterday, but Ms Whalley was pronounced dead at the scene.
The force said the death is not being treated as suspicious and her next of kin have been informed. A file will be prepared for the coroner.
Manor House Stables posted a message, reading: ‘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.’
Ms Whalley, named locally, described herself as ‘travelling head person’ at Manor House Stables, and also as working for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE, who owns a large international network of thoroughbred stables.
In official documents published by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner this month, she is listed as one of the transport managers at Manor House Stables.
In 2018, she posted a photo of the Gulf state, writing: ‘I cannot wait for this to be home for the next 6 months. #3weeks #excited #holidaylife #dubai’.
In 2019, she represented the UK in Miss Tourism Universe pageant, screened on MTV and held in Beirut, making it into the final 10 contestants.
Manor House Stables expressed their condolences to Jessica’s family in a statement
The horse rider had represented the UK in Miss Tourism Universe pageant in 2019 and reached the final 10
Yesterday, Ms Whalley’s friends Maxine Bowley and Jo Neesam both changed their Facebook profiles to photos with her, and their timelines were flooded with messages of condolences.
North West Ambulance Service confirmed it had been called to attend Owen’s stables just before 7.30am with Cheshire Police arriving later.
A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service said: ‘We received at call at 7.26 this morning. We did attend but I am unable to confirm any more details.’
The stables is a purpose-built training facility created by Owen and his family.
It has been the base for trainer Hugo Palmer since last spring.
Owen, 43, a former England footballer who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City, set up the stables in 2006.
Last summer, his daughter Gemma, an international dressage champion, showcased her impressive horse riding skills at the stables.
Her own horse, called Sirius Black and described as ‘one in a million’, died suddenly in February 2023 aged 18.
The animal lover worked for a large international network of thoroughbred stables across the world
Since the news of her death, Jessica’s friends and family have paid tribute to her on social media
There are 105 horses in training at Manor House Stables ahead of the new Flat Turf season which is due to begin on Saturday.
Trainers Fergal O’Brien and Graeme McPherson, said: ‘Thoughts with all involved.’
One 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.’
While another posted: ‘So sorry to the family and everyone at MHS! A lovely, pleasant person to have worked with! RIP.’
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