The bodies of Shirely Nunn and her 50-year-old son, Stephen, were discovered by a family member at their home in Middlesbrough after the carer had taken her own life
A “loving and caring” mum who tragically took her own life killed her disabled son after finding out she had just days to live, an inquest heard.
The bodies of Shirely Nunn and her 50-year-old son, Stephen, were discovered by a family member at their home in Middlesbrough after the carer had killed herself after taking the life of her disabled son, who had long-term physical and mental health needs.
An investigation was carried out following the deaths which found more could have been done to offer emotional support to Mrs Nunn after her terminal cancer diagnosis. The Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) said it could only be assumed she felt there was no other option or alternative for her son’s ongoing care, TeesideLive reported.
Mrs Nunn, 67, was the appointed carer for her son, who had suffered a life-changing accident when he was 11 and sustained a serious brain injury. The review described Mrs Nunn as a “loving and caring” mother, and said they were part of a close-knit and supportive family. She had been diagnosed with stage three cancer in July 2021 and a month later was told it was terminal.
In the October, she was admitted to A&E and was told the lung cancer had spread to her brain, spine, and pelvis. Palliative care was being set up and arranged at home for her final days. The agencies working with the family said she was more concerned about how her son would cope without her as her health deteriorated. However it was also noted there had been nothing to indicate her intention to take her own life and kill her son.
On October 24, two days after she was discharged from hospital, Cleveland Police was called to her home by her sister. Mrs Nunn’s husband Paul had died of cancer in October 2019 and his loved ones passed away on the anniversary of his death. Following the tragedy, the DHR was commissioned by the Middlesbrough Community Safety Partnership and carried out by an independent chair. The report has now been published on Middlesbrough Council’s website, although the names of the mother and son were changed to “June and John”.
It said: “June had cared for and loved her son throughout his life and without question had always prioritised his needs.” During her time in hospital in September 2021 and at follow up appointments in October 2021, Mrs Nunn had shown “increasing signs of emotional instability”.
The report continued: “She was tearful on two occasions reflecting on her deteriorating health conditions. The panel feel that whilst she was in hospital opportunities were missed to consider her psychological and care needs or to share information concerning this with Adult Social Care.” Cleveland Police carried out an investigation and the findings were handed to the Teesside Coroner.
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