FRIENDS and family of a ‘beautiful, kind and caring’ young woman have paid tribute to her after her death over the weekend.

Jessica Duckworth, from Padiham, died during the early hours of Sunday morning after falling from the Scammonden Bridge near Ripponden in West Yorkshire.

Police officers were called to the scene at around 1am following reports for safety but the 23-year-old died a short while later.

Hundreds have now paid tribute to the former Shuttleworth College student who has been described as someone who ‘always carried a huge smile’.

Writing to her on her Facebook page, one friend said: “Absolutely devastated and heartbroken to be writing this but we have lost an angel that was too perfect for this earth, Jessica Duckworth.

Best friend pays tribute to tragic Jessica Duckworth 

“Thank you for the years of memories laughter and friendship.”

Another added: “I’m stuck for words. Everybody is heartbroken including myself. Jessica was beautiful inside and out and always carried a huge smile with her.

“Rest in peace you beautiful girl. Please, if anyone else is struggling, speak to somebody.”

One of Jessica’s former teachers also paid tribute, saying: “Terrible news. A lovely bright girl who was always full of fun and laughter.

“I was her form tutor for two years at Shuttleworth College and she was a delightful person. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”

Bunches of flowers can now be seen tied to the railings of Shuttleworth Bridge, where friends have travelled to today to remember the former Burnley College student.

Jessica, a psychology and counselling student, who was looking forward to a holiday abroad in the coming weeks, regularly posted pictures and videos with her friends on social media.

A section of the M62 was closed for over three hours on Sunday as police and paramedics dealt with the incident.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire police said: “Police were called in the early hours of Sunday morning to reports of a concern for safety at Scammonden Bridge of the M62.

“A 23-year-old woman died at the scene and the motorway was closed while emergency services responded.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

Funeral details have yet to be released.