A retired company director and his wife took their own lives after deciding to die together due to their poor health, an inquest has heard. Peter Norris, 75, and his wife Marguerite, 74, a retired teacher, were found dead in separate bedrooms at their home in Modbury, Devon, on 8 April last year.
Both had written 'DNR' (Do Not Resuscitate) on their foreheads and had informed their solicitor of their intentions, Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon Coroner's Court was told. Neighbours alerted police after not seeing the couple for several days.
Detectives discovered the couple had left detailed instructions on various matters after their deaths, including updated wills and how to operate the automated lighting and heating. Evidence from their GP and post-mortem examinations revealed both were in poor health, with Mr Norris having suffered two strokes, coronary artery disease, chronic renal disease and obstructed neuropathy, while his wife had heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
Toxicology tests showed both died from overdoses of prescribed medication. Police investigator Keeley Topham said the deaths were not treated as suspicious, noting a letter from the couple to their solicitor stating, 'Our lives, our choice'. Senior coroner Ian Arrow recorded conclusions that both had taken their own lives, saying he was satisfied they had taken the drugs with the intention of ending their lives.
