Jenny Grant, a glamour model and Lancaster University student, has been found dead at her home in Wallasey, Merseyside after apparently committing suicide. She was 19.
It is believed she hanged herself when home alone following a row with friends. Police discovered the incident after breaking into her home in the early hours of Saturday 13 September, and are not treating her death as suspicious.
Relatively new to modelling, she shot to fame after being made 2008’s “Page 3 Idol” in the annual contest run by The Sun newspaper. A self-confessed “swot” to whom education was important, she opted to continue her degree while modelling and was due to start her second year studying Criminology and Psychology in October.
Her death came as a shock to family and friends, who reported that she had seemed happy in the days leading up to her death. A statement from her modelling agency Girl Management described her as having “seemed really happy, particularly with the way her career was going… there was no sign at all that she was feeling down or depressed.”
Photographer Alison Webster, who worked with Jenny, spoke of her distress at hearing the news.
“I’m heartbroken. Jenny was fresh and interesting and looked like someone you would meet in the street… I’ve spoken to her mum who is in deep shock. Jenny always talked about her and loved all her family, who were so supportive of her career.”
Head of the Psychology Department, Professor Tom Ormerod, joined in paying tribute to Jenny.
“Jenny was a bright, and able student, who was looking forward to entering the second year of her studies after a successful first year… everyone is shocked and deeply saddened to lose such a promising and friendly member of the department.”
Rest in peace Jenny.