Sarah Ferguson pays tribute to ‘loyal’ ex-aide after man arrested for murder
The Duchess of York with Jenean Chapman in 2005
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Sarah Ferguson has paid a touching tribute to a “loyal” former aide after a man was arrested for murder.
Jenean Chapman, 46, was found dead at her Dallas apartment in Texas on September 25.
The tragic discovery came just five months after she moved to the city for a new job.
Chapman’s death was initially determined as “unexplained”.
An image of Jenean Chapman
A post-mortem later concluded it was murder.
James Patrick was arrested on suspicion of murder a day later by authorities in Austin.
The 48-year-old remains in police custody.
Fergie, 63, paid tribute to her former aide on social media.
The Duchess of York promised to cover funeral costs.
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Sarah Ferguson has paid an emotional tribute to her former aide
PAIn a heartfelt statement on Instagram, she wrote: "I am shocked and saddened to learn that Jenean Chapman, who worked with me as my personal assistant many years ago, has been murdered in Dallas aged just 46. A suspect is in custody.
"Jenean was loyal, hardworking, beautiful and fun and my heart breaks for her family and friends.
"I heard from her just a couple of months ago and she seemed so happy."
Her family is raising money to transport her body back to New York City and pay for legal and funeral costs.
"I will be making a donation and supporting the family in any way possible - please help if you can at the link in my bio."
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends Daughters For Earth, Vital Voices and International Center For Research On Women Campaign Launch
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Chapman’s family set up a fundraiser to help bring her body back to New York.
The 46-year-old joined Fergie’s team after completing her production studies at New York's Syracuse University.
Chapman assisted the mother-of-two on her trips abroad, press events and touring schedules in the early 2000s.
Nicole Marshall, Jenean's sister, told reporters: "She was a force to be reckoned with, she was a role model.
"She was an amazing person, and I still look up to her. I always look up to her as like what I wanted to accomplish in my corporate career.
"She was just an accomplished intellectual. She was a kind person and compassionate. She had a heart of mush."
Fellow sibling Crystal Marshall added: "Her first job out of college was working with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.”