THE Malpas-based stables owned by former Liverpool and Manchester United star Michael Owen has paid tribute to a member of its staff who died this week.

Manor House Stables, in Shay Lane, Malpas, released a statement on Friday confirming the death of Jess Whalley on Tuesday, March 28.

The 25-year-old was pronounced dead at the stables after emergency services were called to the yard on Tuesday morning.

In a statement released on social media, bosses at the stables paid tribute to Jess, saying she was doing a job ‘she adored’.

It said: “We are all devastated by the loss of Jess Whalley, our extremely valued team member, friend and colleague, on Tuesday.

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“Jess was hugely popular within the team here and in the wider racing community. We will all miss her terribly.

“We extend our deepest condolences to those closest to her, and hope they will find comfort that Jess died doing a job she adored and was incredibly good at.”

Cheshire Police said at the time there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

A spokesman 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.”

According to reports, Miss Whalley worked as a transport manager for the yard, and had previously worked across other stables in Newmarket.

The Health and Safety Executive also announced it would not be investigating, stating they did not believe it to be a work-related incident.