An elderly couple described as utterly devoted to one another made a joint decision to end their lives by jumping from the cliffs near the historic Whitby Abbey, a coroner's court has heard.
A Tragic Discovery on the Yorkshire Coast
The bodies of David Jeffcock, 80, and his 74-year-old wife Susan, were discovered on rocks at the base of the East Cliff in the North Yorkshire seaside town on 30 July. The hearing in Northallerton was told that a member of the public first spotted a mobile phone and a jacket at the cliff top before looking over the edge and seeing the couple below.
Emergency services, including a Coastguard helicopter, were dispatched to the scene, but both individuals were pronounced dead. A subsequent investigation by North Yorkshire Police confirmed the cause of death for both was multiple traumatic injuries.
A Planned Farewell and a Life Together
The inquest revealed 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 also found a folded jacket, weighed down with a brick, at the cliff top, which officers believe was placed there as a marker, indicating preparation.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Jenkinson suggested it was possible David jumped first and that Susan may have hesitated before following.
David Jeffcock had been struggling with significant health issues, including bone cancer. His nephew, Kevin Shepherd, stated in a heartfelt tribute that his uncle had been to A&E three times that year for issues including shortness of breath and acute headaches. I can only conclude he was in so much pain he didn't want to keep deteriorating, Mr Shepherd said.
A Story of Devotion and a Shared Life
The couple, who had no history of mental health issues, were portrayed as deeply in love and inseparable. They had spent much of their lives in Sheffield, where David worked as a taxi driver and Susan was a secretary at Stanley Tools.
Mr Shepherd recounted his uncle's earlier life, which included a stint in Australia as a ten-pound Pom before he returned to meet and marry Susan - the love of his life. The couple chose not to have children and instead focused on their life together, travelling the globe on holiday.
Realising a long-held dream, they retired to the coast, moving to a flat above the harbour in Whitby, one of their favourite spots. Mr Shepherd's statement poignantly noted that although she was younger, Susan chose to join David. That to me shows their devotion.
Senior North Yorkshire coroner Jonathan Leach recorded a conclusion of suicide for both Mr and Mrs Jeffcock.
