Tragic diagnosis that led to couple jumping hand in hand 180ft from Whitby cliff

A couple who were found dead at the bottom of a cliff decided to end their lives after one of them was diagnosed with bone cancer.

David, 80, and Susan Jeffcock, 74, walked 199 steps up to the historical landmark Whitby Abbey, and slipped through a fence behind. The besotted couple stood at the top of East Cliff before they held hands and leaped 180ft to their deaths.

The 80-year-old had been struggling with the effects of his cancer and had left a note to a solicitor explaining their reason why. It said: “Susan wants to come with me.” The couple, who were married for 52 years, were found dead on July 30.

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North Yorkshire Police received a report from a member of the public who said they had spotted a man and woman on the rocks. Senior North Yorkshire Coroner Jon said the provisional cause of their deaths was recorded as “multi-trauma”.

A man, who is believed to be a family member, shared the extent of David's suffering. He told Mail Online: "It is extremely sad to think of them in that position, where they both wanted to take their own lives and to go together. But a friend of mine reminded me that they had made up their own minds and they did what they wanted to do, which brings some comfort, it was their own decision."

He added that he had noticed a personality shift. "The last time I saw them, my Uncle David really wasn't himself," he explained. "He was withdrawn and clearly struggling with the pain brought about by the bone cancer." Both inquests have been adjourned to a date to be fixed. No family members were in court.

For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.