Couple ‘very much in love’ died from poison and gunshot wound, inquest hears

A retired GP cuddled his wife as she died from poison before he shot himself in the head, an inquest has heard.

Brian Richards, 93, and Dilys Richards, 91, also known as Dick and Pixie, were described as “very much in love and soulmates” and were found dead at their home in Sandwich, in Kent, on July 8.

One of the handwritten notes left by Mr Richards said “I have no wish to survive her”, after describing how Mrs Richards had taken a dose of cyanide, before he lay alongside her, cuddling her, as she stopped breathing.

The couple had been married for 68 years and were described as “sharp” and “intelligent”, and did crosswords together each day, but had both become frustrated at their declining health, and the need for a carer for Mrs Richards as she became housebound.

The inquest at Kent and Medway Coroner’s Court heard how Mrs Richards texted her daughter a few days before their deaths, saying “never forget I love you”.

A statement read by their daughter recalled a mention of Dignitas, an assisted dying organisation in Switzerland, and how recently her mother had talked about the location of bank cards and chequebooks, which was “out of the norm”.

Mrs Richards, a homemaker and trained physiotherapist, was found lying on her bed by her housekeeper on July 8.

Mr Richards was later found in the property holding a gun, with a gunshot wound to the head.

Coroner Catherine Wood said: “I note notes left give me some indication this was a planned event, that there was nobody present other than both deceased at the property.

“Police evidence concludes no evidence of third party involvement.”

Ms Wood concluded Mr Richards’ death was a suicide, given the note of intention to end his life, while she gave a narrative conclusion for Mrs Richards that she died as a consequence of cyanide toxicity.

After the inquest, a statement from their daughter, Sue Gregory, said: “Sue and Sam have nothing further to say about Dick and Pixie’s death, please allow us the peace and privacy we need to continue with the tasks that lie ahead.”

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org.