'Devoted' Couple's Final Act Together
An elderly couple described by family as completely devoted to one another made the tragic decision to end their lives together after the husband's health seriously deteriorated, a coroner's court has heard.
The bodies of David Jeffcock, 80, and his wife Susan, 74, were discovered at their home in the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby on 30 July. The hearing in Northallerton was told the couple had previously sent a letter to their solicitor confirming their intention to take their own lives.
Deteriorating Health and a Heartbreaking Decision
Kevin Shepherd, Mr Jeffcock's nephew, told the hearing that his uncle had been battling bone cancer and had decided to end his life due to the immense pain he was experiencing. His wife Susan then made the choice to join him.
In a statement read aloud at the inquest, Mr Shepherd said: "I can only conclude he was in so much pain he didn't want to keep deteriorating." He added that "although she was younger, Susan chose to join David", stating that this act "shows their devotion".
A Life Well-Lived and a Dream Realised
Mr Shepherd painted a picture of a deeply loving couple who had built a full life together. He described his uncle as "a lovely man who lived a good life", recounting his upbringing in Sheffield and his time in Australia as a 'ten-pound pom'.
Upon returning to the UK, David met and married Susan, whom he described as the love of his life. The couple, who decided not to have children, enjoyed travelling the world during their holidays.
David worked for many years as a taxi driver, while Susan was a secretary at Stanley Tools. They spent much of their lives in Sheffield but cherished a long-held dream of retiring to the coast, which they realised when they moved to a flat overlooking the harbour in Whitby, one of their favourite places.
The inquest heard that Mr Jeffcock's health had been in decline, with three visits to A&E earlier in the year for acute onset headaches and shortness of breath. A police investigation confirmed the existence of the couple's letter to their solicitor outlining their plans.
Senior North Yorkshire coroner Jonathan Leach concluded that while the couple had no history of mental health issues, Mr Jeffcock did have significant physical health problems. He recorded a conclusion of suicide for both David and Susan Jeffcock.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
