Jessica Campbell dead: Reese Witherspoon ‘heartbroken’ after Election actress dies aged 38

Tributes have been paid to Election star Jessica Campbell, who has died aged 38.

Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick are among the stars to have remembered Campbell, their co-star in the hit 1999 film.

Oscar-winner Witherspoon, 44, said she was "heartbroken", adding that working with the actress had been "such a pleasure".

Broderick, 58, added that she was "very dear and an extremely good actor".

Campbell retired from acting a number of years ago to become a naturopathic physician.

Her family confirmed to TMZ that the star dies after she collapsed in her bathroom at home. The incident happened in Portland on 29 December.

Broderick told The Hollywood Reporter: "When I think of Jessica I remember a shy, incredibly sweet, very pink-cheeked teenager who liked to discuss with me what is best to order at Applebee's."

He added: "Heartbreaking news. My deepest sympathy to her son and the rest of her family."

Election was Campbell’s first major role. In the highschool drama, she played Tammy Metzler, who runs for school president to get back at her ex-girlfriend.

The actress also starred in Freaks and Geeks - a teen comedy about life at a Michigan high school in 1980.

Executive producer Judd Apatow remembered Campbell as being "so funny and an amazing, thoughtful actress".

Following her death, Campbell’s cousin Sarah Wessling has set up a crowdfunding page to cover funeral costs and to help support the star’s 10-year-old son Oliver.

Wessling called her a "true adventurer in every sense of the word", adding: "Jessica packed a staggering amount of experiences into her tragically short lifetime.

"She could always be counted on as the instigator of, or at the very least a willing accomplice to, various forms of mischief and hijinks. To know her is to have an over-the-top story involving her. To know her is to have known true friendship."