An inquest revealed that two elderly individuals, Tony and Phyllis Gilbert, aged 83, were discovered deceased by their daughter-in-law at their residence in Kenmare, Co Kerry. The couple had signed their wills just days before taking their lives in November 2021. Mrs. Gilbert, who was battling stage four pancreatic cancer, and Mr. Gilbert ingested a poisonous substance, leading to their deaths.

Their daughter-in-law found a note on the front door with a chilling message, indicating their intentions. Subsequently, the police were called, and upon entering the premises, the bodies of the couple were found in separate beds, with no signs of physical harm. The investigation also revealed recordings left by the couple, expressing their desire to be together in life and in death.

Described as very close companions, the Gilberts had become reclusive, especially due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to their passing, they had consulted a solicitor to draft their wills, affirming their good health and mental capacity. Post-mortems confirmed the cause of death as ingestion of a poisonous substance.

Having migrated from the UK in the 1990s, the Gilberts had been successful entrepreneurs in Kerry. Dr. Mulligan, the Chief State Pathologist, stated that the couple would have passed away swiftly, considering Mrs. Gilbert’s advanced cancer condition. The coroner ruled their deaths as suicide, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the act as a tragic case.

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