A widower took his own life after consuming his late wife’s cancer medicine while mourning her death, an inquest has heard.
Adam Thompson, who ran Reality Estate Agent in Norwich with his wife Lucy, died last year.
An inquest into his death was told his father found his body in his bedroom at his home in Sterlet Grove, Mulbarton, on October 10.
His family had become concerned because he had not checked in for work that day.
The father-of-three's death came just four months after his wife died following a five-year battle with breast cancer. Mr Thompson, 39, had cared for her throughout her illness.
The inquest, at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, heard that the medical cause of death was cocaine and opioid toxicity.
At the hearing, a moving tribute from his family was read out.
It said: “Adam was loving, kind, and caring; a loving, devoted father, son, brother, and husband.
“He was very much loved by all, and he always had time for everyone and had many, many friends.
“Adam worked very hard, played hard, and always took great care of himself working and going to the gym. Adam enjoyed playing and watching sports. He especially enjoyed playing golf.
“Adam was devoted to his wife, Lucy, throughout their 11 years together.
“Adam and Lucy were totally devoted to each other, and Lucy was everything to Adam.
“Lucy became ill with cancer and Adam supported Lucy throughout her long five-year battle with cancer.
“Adam was devastated when Lucy finally lost her battle with cancer, and she passed away.
“Adam said he didn’t know how to go on without her. He said he had lost his wonderful wife, best friend, and his rock, and became depressed.
“He did not seem able to accept help and he was not himself.
“Adam was so devastated with losing his wife. He would say he did not know how to go on without Lucy. He just wanted to be with her. "
A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY
It continued: “Lucy wanted to spend her last days at home and the doctor gave her painkiller medication which remained at the house after she passed away.
“Adam had access to all of this medication and four months after Lucy passed away, he used all of Lucy’s medication to take his own life feeling he had no other options.”
They added that they “loved and missed” him with all their hearts.
The court heard how the former police officer's life had “hit an all-time low” as he had had to deal with the unexpected loss of a close family member, as well as his pet dog, at around the time of his wife's death.
His father, Nigel Thompson, added: “Adam was a gifted and talented person, a loving husband, father, brother and friend who created a warm and welcoming atmosphere to anyone who came into his presence.
“He was such a fun-loving and caring person and would be the first to reach out when somebody was in need.
“Adam was full of life in so many ways.
“He loved working out at the gym, he loved his work, and would be the first up for a challenging task, and - importantly - he loved his wife, Lucy.
“She was everything to Adam; his rock in life.
“He had so many aspirations for his children.
“In general, Adam wanted to be the best he could be.
“Sadly, life took a turn for the worse when Lucy was diagnosed with cancer. Adam was there right by her side every step of the way. He would support her no matter what and shared Lucy’s pain right to the end.
“I am sure after a five-year journey with such tragic losses, Adam’s life was slowly ebbing away.
"Each loss chipping away at this loving and caring person. All his beloved treasure taken from him; all the plans, the aspirations, lost.
“Life suddenly lost its purpose and there was no point anymore.
“Sadly, Adam’s strength was no more, and he was to take his life so that he would be with his loved ones, which is all he ever wanted for in life.”
Area coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that Mr Thompson died by suicide.
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
- To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
- Do you need support? Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 by calling 116 123. Alternatively, the NHS First Response Service can be reached on 111, selecting option 2.
Share