Tragedy struck at a home in Cardiff when Stephen Jefferies, 74, ended his life and that of his wife Christine, 72, along with their beloved dog. Found by their daughter Martine, the couple’s deaths paint a haunting picture of their final days. Both had been seen as a pleasant, quiet couple with a passion for gardening and rugby, but issues were boiling beneath the surface.
Diary entries from both Stephen and Christine revealed the struggles Stephen faced with his mental health, illustrated by erratic writings just before the incident. Martine shared that her father seemed different leading up to his tragic actions. The man, who once enjoyed clay shooting, had guns at home despite believing he had sold them.
The family was shocked to discover that the couple, married for over 50 years, were in significant debt—even asking their daughter for a £3,000 loan, contradicting the financial values they taught their children. Martine expressed bewilderment over their £35,000 debt as they always advised saving instead of borrowing.
At the inquest, it surfaced that Stephen struggled with depression but seemed “fit as a fiddle” according to his daughter. The pressures of financial woes, past family losses, and past work issues seemed to have weighed heavily on him.
Son Gethin Jefferies, who hadn’t seen his parents in six months, found it odd when he didn’t get a reply after texting his mum days before the shocking discovery.
The coroner concluded the case as an unlawful killing and suicide, attributing it to Stephen’s declining mental state. No alcohol was found in their systems, and Christine was noted for having prescription medications only.
This sombre reminder of hidden struggles highlights the importance of checking in on loved ones and seeking help when faced with mental health challenges. 💔