Gwynedd couple killed themselves rather than be apart

An elderly couple who were married for 64 years killed themselves because they could not imagine life apart, an inquest has heard.

Ivor Williams, 92, and Laura Williams, 87, took a prescription medication overdose at their home in Penmaenmawr, Conwy county, on 4 February.

They both died in hospital within days of each other.

The couple's son Peter said they always talked of dying together and could not bear being without each other.

An inquest at Ruthin heard that couple, who had three children, had led a full life which included a period of time living in Germany.

They had enjoyed mountain climbing and cycling, while Mrs Williams had also represented Wales in both 10 pin and crown green bowling.

But following a massive stroke in 2021 she had been left with reduced mobility and, in spite of making some improvements via physiotherapy, never regained the use of her left arm.

Former head teacher Mr Williams' independence was also "limited" and the couple relied heavily on family and carers.

In a statement read to the court, the couple's son Peter said his parents were "embarrassed by their dependence" and had made an approach to Dignitas, the right-to-die association in Switzerland.

They had also put do not resuscitate orders in place.

"They always talked of dying together," Peter said and went on to describe how he found his parents unconscious in the living room when he went to their house in Bryn Helyg early on 5 February.

Alongside them was a note thanking their family for looking after them.

Mr and Mrs Williams were taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor before being transferred to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan.

Mrs Williams died three days later and her husband died on 14 February.

Giving her conclusion of suicide, assistant coroner for north Wales, east and central Kate Robertson said the couple had taken an intentional overdose of medication and gave "deliberate drug toxicity"as the cause of their deaths.

She said it was the "joint intention" of each of them to end their lives and ended the hearing by saying it was clear the couple were "incredibly grateful" for the "love and support" of their family.