‘Devoted’ elderly couple fell to their deaths after one tragically diagnosed with bone cancer
Published on November 24, 2025 at 05:28 PM
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A “DEVOTED” elderly couple fell to their deaths near a beauty spot after one of them was diagnosed with bone cancer, an inquest heard.
David and Susan Jeffcock sent a letter to their solicitor confirming they intended to end their lives before they were found close to Whitby Abbey.
David, 80, and Susan, 74, were ‘completely devoted to each other’Credit: MEN Media
TheCredit: Ben Lack
An inquest heard David, 80, and Susan, 74, who were married for 52 years, had moved to the seaside town after they retired.
Nephew Kevin Shepherd said his uncle had bone cancer and must have decided to kill himself because he was in pain.
He said: “I was shocked to hear of their passing and in such circumstances.
“I can only conclude he was in so much pain he didn’t want to keep deteriorating.”
Kevin told the inquest that “although she was younger, Susan chose to join David”, adding: “That to me shows their devotion.”
The in Northallerton heard David was a “lovely man who lived a good life” in before moving to as a “10-pound pom”.
When he came back to the UK, the former taxi driver married the “love of his life” Susan.
The couple chose not to have children together and instead “lived well together” travelling the world.
They had similar interests, regularly enjoying visits to pubs and clubs and holidays abroad, including a number of cruises.
They spent much of their life together in Sheffield but dreamed of retiring to a coastal town.
The inquest heard they later moved to Whitby, one of their favourite places, in a flat above the harbour.
PC James Turner said on July 30, a member of the public found a mobile phone and jacket at the top of a cliff.
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
They discovered the tragic couple on the rocks below with both declared dead at the scene.
The cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries, the inquest heard.
A statement from Detective Inspector Jenkinson of North Yorkshire Police said it was possible David jumped first and Susan “may have hesitated before following”.
The hearing was told that David had been to A&E three times so far that year, including for acute onset headaches and shortness of breath.
A investigation found his health had deteriorated and the couple had sent a letter the heartbreaking letter to their solicitor.
Senior North Yorkshire coroner Jonathan Leach said the couple had no history of mental health issues but that David had some physical health problems.
He recorded a conclusion of suicide for the couple.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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