A tragic incident unfolded as an elderly couple, Tony and Phyllis Gilbert, aged 83, were discovered lifeless in their residence in Dromneavane, Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland, on the morning of November 14, 2021. Their daughter-in-law, Beryl Gilbert, who usually assisted with their errands, shared that she planned to leave groceries at their doorstep due to Covid-19 restrictions that day. However, upon arrival, she found a note attached to the door containing a chilling message indicating their intentions to end their lives.
The note instructed Beryl to notify the authorities and disclosed the location of a spare key for entry. Law enforcement gained access to the bungalow, where they found the couple deceased in a bedroom. The individuals were found in separate beds without any visible signs of harm. Further investigation revealed the presence of a tape recorder with recordings of the couple’s voices in the room.
The recordings conveyed the couple’s joint decision to conclude their lives at their home. Mrs. Gilbert had been battling stage four pancreatic cancer, contributing to their choice. Originally from the UK, the couple had settled in Kerry during the 1990s after running a successful glass engraving business in Kenmare. Their granddaughter described them as deeply connected and somewhat reclusive, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Prior to their demise, the Gilberts had consulted a solicitor, Vincent Coakley, to draft their wills. Despite concerns about health risks, they eventually visited his office and legally formalized their wishes. Post-mortem examinations indicated that the couple had ingested a toxic substance, confirming the cause of death. Dr. Linda Mulligan, the Chief State Pathologist, confirmed the findings and highlighted the couple’s meticulous planning before their tragic act.
The coroner ruled their deaths as suicide, emphasizing the absence of external influence in their decision-making process. The community remembered Mr. Gilbert as a skilled artist, while the couple was known for their reserved and modest lifestyle. The coroner extended sympathies to their families, acknowledging the distressing nature of the case.