A tragic incident unfolded as a long-married couple, David and Susan Jeffcock, ended their lives together by jumping off cliffs in Whitby. David, who was battling bone cancer, left a note expressing Susan’s desire to join him in his decision. The couple meticulously planned their final day, leaving their residence tidy and even leaving a note for a solicitor at a local legal practice.
After 52 years of marriage, David, 80, and Susan, 74, shared a poignant moment smiling at a passerby before holding hands and falling 180ft from the cliff to their deaths on July 30. The couple, who had no children, had made a pact due to David’s deteriorating health from cancer.
An attendee at their funeral expressed sadness over the couple’s decision but acknowledged that they had made a firm choice. The Jeffcocks were remembered as a loving and lively pair who enjoyed socializing in pubs, particularly indulging in live music.
The North Yorkshire Coroner confirmed the cause of death as “multi-trauma” and adjourned the inquests for a later date, with no family members present in court. Emergency services were alerted when a member of the public spotted the couple on the rocks, leading to a coordinated rescue operation by the coastguard and ambulance teams near Whitby Abbey.
If you or anyone you know needs mental health support, contact the Samaritans for assistance.