A heartbroken widower who ‘lost the battle against life’ killed himself using his late wife’s cancer drug after she died while battling the disease, an inquest has heard.
Adam Thompson, 39, was found dead in Mulbarton, Norfolk, by his father on October 10.
His death came four months after that of his wife Lucy, 44, who battled breast cancer for five years after first being diagnosed with the disease in February 2018.
Around the same time, he also suffered the loss of a close family member and his dog.
Adam, a father-of-three who had run Reality Estate Agent in Norwich with his wife, was discovered after failing to show up for work.
An inquest found he died of cocaine and opioid poisoning.
Adam’s family said they ‘loved and missed’ him with all their hearts
Adam took his own life after the death of his wife Lucy (right) from breast cancer four months earlier
In a statement read to the coroner, his family said: ‘Adam was loving, kind and caring; a loving, devoted father, son, brother and husband. He was very loved by everyone, he always had time for everyone and had many friends.’
According to the Eastern Daily Press, they went on to describe him as a man who “worked very hard, played hard” and loved sports, especially golf.
They described him as ‘devoted’ to his wife of 11 years, Lucy, adding that she was ‘everything’ to him.
The couple married in July 2019 after Lucy received the OK from doctors. But in June 2020, she was told she had multiple tumors in her liver caused by secondary breast cancer. Norwich Evening News reports.
The statement added that following Lucy’s death, Adam was ‘at a loss for how to move on’ after losing his stone: ‘Adam was so devastated by the loss of his wife. He would say he didn’t know how to go on without Lucy. He just wanted to be with her.”
They added that they “loved and missed” him with all their hearts.
The inquest heard that after Lucy told doctors she wanted to spend her last days at home, she was given painkillers which remained in the house after her death.
Adam Thompson (left), 39, was found dead by his father at his home in Mulbarton, Norfolk, on October 10.
Lucy Thompson died five years after her first cancer diagnosis in 2018 at the age of 44
The couple both worked at Reality Estate Agent in Norfolk, although Adam was previously a police officer
Her family announced Lucy’s death online, saying she was “everyone’s hero, the life and soul of the party and will be forever missed.”
They also praised her courage during her battle with cancer, and asked those who wished to remember her to make a donation to cancer charities The Big C and The Royal Marsden Hospital.
A fundraiser in her memory raised almost £2,000 for the charities.
Together, Adam and Lucy raised a total of £14,000, including by taking part in a skydive in 2021. Other fundraising events included a 400-mile bike ride and a 15.5-mile walk.
Announcing Adam’s death, a spokesperson for Reality Estate Agent said: ‘It is with great sadness that I must announce the passing of my fellow director Adam, who tragically lost his battle with life while mourning the recent death of his wife Lucy.’
His father, Nigel Thompson, said: “Adam was a gifted and talented person, a loving husband, father, brother and friend who created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all who came into his presence.
‘He was such a cheerful and caring person and would be the first to reach out if anyone was in need. Adam was full of life in so many ways.”
He added that his son stayed by Lucy’s side throughout her battle with cancer and “shared her pain until the end.”
He continued, “Every loss has an impact on this loving and caring person. All his beloved treasures have been taken from him; all plans, ambitions, lost.
‘Life suddenly lost its purpose and there was no point anymore.’
Area coroner Yvonne Blake concluded that Mr Thompson died by suicide.
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
