An inquest revealed that a couple, Tony and Phyllis Gilbert, both 83 years old, were found deceased in their home in Kenmare, Co Kerry. They had signed their wills just days before taking their lives. Mrs. Gilbert, who had advanced pancreatic cancer, and Mr. Gilbert both died from ingesting a toxic substance. Their daughter-in-law, Beryl Gilbert, discovered them after finding a note on the front door indicating their intentions.
The note, which read, “All going to plan we should be dead,” instructed to call the police and provided a location for a spare key. Authorities found the couple’s lifeless bodies in separate beds without any signs of violence. A recording device was found with messages from the couple expressing their desire to be together in life and in passing.
Their granddaughter described them as extremely close companions who had become reclusive due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple had consulted a solicitor to draft their wills, emphasizing their good health and mental competence at the time. Post-mortem examinations confirmed the cause of death as ingestion of a poisonous substance.
Dr. Linda Mulligan, the Chief State Pathologist, explained that the Gilberts would have passed away swiftly. Mrs. Gilbert’s cancer had reached an advanced stage, affecting her entire body. The coroner ruled their deaths as suicide, noting the premeditated nature of their actions. The case was described as “traumatic” by the coroner.
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