An elderly couple tragically ended their lives by jumping off a cliff after the husband received a bone cancer diagnosis. David, aged 80, and Susan Jeffcock, aged 74, deliberately walked up 199 steps to Whitby Abbey before trespassing through a fence and plunging 180ft off East Cliff while holding hands.
David, who had been battling the effects of his cancer, left a note for a solicitor explaining their joint decision. The note indicated Susan’s desire to be with him. The couple, who had been married for over five decades, were discovered deceased on July 30.
Following reports from a member of the public who spotted the couple on the rocks, North Yorkshire Police confirmed the tragic incident. The provisional cause of their deaths was noted as “multi-trauma” by Senior North Yorkshire Coroner Jon.
A family member revealed the extent of David’s suffering, mentioning a noticeable change in his demeanor due to the bone cancer pain. Both inquests have been postponed to a later date, with no family members present in court.
For mental health assistance, individuals can reach out to the Samaritans at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org for support resources.