A UK couple have hanged themselves within weeks of each other over fears their bomb-disposal technician son serving in Afghanistan would get killed.
Doreen Davis, 69, hanged herself in her home in Aldershot in southern England in February after citing fears her son would die in battle in the war-torn country, the Daily Mail reported.
Her husband John later committed suicide in a similar fashion after leaving a note saying he couldn't live without her, a coroner said.
Lance Corporal Alan Davis had just returned to Afghanistan from his mother's funeral when he heard about his father's death.
The inquest heard that Lance Corporal Davis would not have gone back to Afghanistan if he believed his father was suicidal.
"I left completely satisfied that my father had a good support network in my aunt and some very close friends," Lance Corporal Davis said.
"If I had any concerns I would not have left him."
Before hanging himself, John Davis left a note on the door reading 'Call the police'.
He had written another note reading "I just want to be with Doreen".
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on (09) 5222 999 within Auckland or 0800 543 354 outside Auckland.
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