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. The couple’s daughter-in-law, Beryl Gilbert, who usually assisted them with shopping, had planned to leave groceries at their doorstep that day due to Covid-19 restrictions.
On that day, she was startled to find a note affixed to their door. The chilling message on an A4 paper stated, “All going to plan we should be dead,” instructing her to contact the police and revealing the location of a spare key to access the house. Upon entering the bungalow, authorities discovered the couple deceased in a bedroom, with no visible signs of harm.
The couple, found in separate beds, were identified to have ended their lives at home, with Mrs. Gilbert battling stage four pancreatic cancer. Originally from the UK, the Gilberts had moved to Kerry in the 1990s after running a successful glass engraving business in Kenmare. Their granddaughter, Felicity Gilbert, described them as exceptionally close and somewhat reclusive, especially in light of the pandemic.
Prior to their tragic demise, the couple had executed their wills under the guidance of solicitor Vincent Coakley, citing health concerns due to the pandemic. Post-mortem examinations by Chief State Pathologist Dr. Linda Mulligan revealed that they had ingested a lethal substance leading to their deaths.
Dr. Mulligan confirmed toxicology findings indicating ingestion of a toxic substance, with death occurring swiftly. The coroner affirmed the couple’s premeditated actions before their passing, concluding their deaths as suicides. The community remembered Mr. Gilbert as a skilled and artistic individual, while the Gilberts were known for their reserved nature.
In the aftermath, the coroner extended condolences to the bereaved families, acknowledging the distressing nature of the case. For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 for assistance.