Her final text contained just a single word, but it haunts Jean Hanlon's (pictured) family to this day. 'Help', the message read.

Veteran Mailman Jack Crossley has died at the age of 94, a family friend has confirmed.

The journalist, started working for the newspaper as a reporter in 1970s, ultimately rising to the position of Head of News at the title.

His 40-year career on Fleet Street began at the Yorkshire Evening Post, where he worked alongside Peter O’Toole.

He later worked for the the Observer, the Daily Express, the Times and the National Enquirer in Florida.

Crossley also produced a number of books in the You Couldn’t Make It Up series, a compilation of humorous and bizarre anecdotes reported in the British press.

Crossley died early on May 22 at home in Shiplake. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kate Owen, as well as his three sons and five granddaughters.

The journalist, started working for the newspaper as a reporter in 1970s, ultimately rising to the position of Head of News at the title

The journalist, started working for the newspaper as a reporter in 1970s, ultimately rising to the position of Head of News at the title

The journalist, started working for the newspaper as a reporter in 1970s, ultimately rising to the position of Head of News at the title