Inquest finds terminally-ill Shropshire couple died in likely suicide pact
Robert and Patricia Lloyd were found at their Bayston Hill home on 1 June 2023.
Last updated 25th Jan 2024
An inquest into the deaths of an elderly couple from Shropshire has ruled they died in a likely suicide pact.
Robert Lloyd, 84, and his wife, Patricia, 80, were both terminally ill when they died last summer - Robert with cancer, and Patricia with a brain tumour and dementia.
They were discovered at around 11pm on 1 June 2023 in a summer house at their Bayston Hill home.
Shrewsbury Coroners Court heard their causes of death were consistent with gas inhalation.
At the time of their deaths, their daughter Sarah Davis described them as a "loving, dedicated couple" who were married for more than 50 years.
Ms Davis said: "They were the most wonderful parents I could have asked for. They will be greatly missed by their family and many close friends.
“They couldn’t bear the thought of one not being there to support the other.
“They are now at peace, and we will all cherish our memories of them over the years, remembering them fondly together, at home in their much-loved summer house, looking at their beautiful garden.”
Senior Coroner John Ellery concluded Mr Lloyd had died as a result of suicide, and recorded a narrative verdict in relation to Mrs Lloyd's death.
If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, you can access support here:
CALM – helpline for men (every day 5pm to midnight), thecalmzone.net, 0800 58 58 58 or online chat.
Samaritans (available 24/7), samaritans.org, phone 116 123 or online chat.
MIND (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm), mind.org.uk, phone 0300 123 3393.