An elderly couple deeply in love chose to spend their final moments together hand-in-hand before tragically ending their lives by jumping from a cliff at Whitby Abbey. David and Susan Jeffcock, married for 52 years, made the heartbreaking decision following David’s bone cancer diagnosis, as Susan couldn’t bear to live without him.
The couple, aged 80 and 74 respectively, departed from their flat overlooking Whitby Harbour for their final journey. They meticulously cleaned their home and left a letter for their solicitor detailing their intentions. In a note left behind, they expressed regret for not having enough time to tidy their rented apartment, with Susan affirming her desire to be with David.
Their decision to end their lives together was witnessed by a passerby, and they were found deceased on July 30. Close friends described them as a devoted and fun-loving couple, often enjoying live music at local pubs. However, David’s deteriorating health due to cancer led them to make a pact to depart life on their own terms.
Following their deaths, an attendee at their funeral shared sentiments of sadness but acknowledged that the couple had made a conscious choice in line with their wishes. He noted a change in David’s demeanor before their tragic end, attributing it to the pain and struggles brought about by his illness.
The official cause of death for David and Susan was determined as “multi-trauma” by the Senior North Yorkshire Coroner. Inquiries into their deaths have been adjourned for further proceedings. For those seeking mental health support, the Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123, via email at jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting samaritans.org.