Overview
- Assistant coroner Jennifer Swift recorded an accidental death verdict, accepting evidence that the beech had severe internal fungal decay not visible from the outside.
- Jen Higgins, 49, was hit by a large branch that fell across Barlow Moor Road during an evening walk with her husband in August 2025.
- Manchester council arborist Noel Nugent found parts of the tree had no solid wood, identified aggressive fungi, and linked the failure to harsh pruning about 15 to 20 years earlier.
- The beech stood on private land with no Tree Preservation Order or conservation-area protections, and the coroner said owners are not legally required to seek inspections for hidden decay.
- Following the collapse, the council issued a formal notice to the homeowner to make the tree safe, and the remaining structure has since been professionally dealt with.