A Heartbreaking Discovery on the Whitby Coast
A deeply devoted elderly couple, David and Susan Jeffcock, made a tragic pact to end their lives together by jumping from the iconic cliffs near Whitby Abbey, an inquest has heard. The couple, who had been married for decades, were found on the rocks at the base of East Cliff on July 30 after a member of the public discovered their personal belongings at the clifftop.
A Life Together and a Devastating Diagnosis
David Jeffcock, 80, and his wife Susan, 74, had retired to the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby, fulfilling their dream of living by the coast. They resided in a flat above the harbour, in one of their favourite places. However, their retirement was overshadowed by David's deteriorating health. The hearing was told that Mr Jeffcock had been suffering from bone cancer and had visited A&E three times that same year for issues including acute headaches and shortness of breath.
In a moving statement, Mr Jeffcock’s nephew, Kevin Shepherd, shared his belief that his uncle was in significant pain and had decided he did not want to continue deteriorating. He expressed his shock at their passing but noted that Susan, despite being younger, had chosen to join her husband. "That to me shows their devotion," Mr Shepherd said. He described his uncle as "a lovely man who lived a good life" and Susan as "the love of his life."
Evidence of a Deliberate and Prepared Act
The inquest in Northallerton heard that the couple had taken deliberate steps before their deaths. They had sent a letter to their solicitor explicitly confirming their intention to end their lives. Police evidence presented by Detective Inspector Jenkinson revealed a chilling detail: a folded jacket, weighed down with a brick, had been left at the top of the cliff. This was described as "some sort of marker" indicating preparation prior to the jump.
The investigation suggested it was possible that Mr Jeffcock jumped first and that Mrs Jeffcock may have hesitated before following him. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, and their bodies were recovered by a Coastguard helicopter. The cause of death for both was confirmed as multiple traumatic injuries.
Concluding the inquest, Senior North Yorkshire coroner Jonathan Leach recorded a conclusion of suicide for both David and Susan Jeffcock. He noted that while Mr Jeffcock had physical health problems, the couple had no known history of mental health issues. Their final act was a sombre testament to a lifelong partnership, ending in the shadow of illness at a place they loved.
