A heartbroken widower who “lost his battle with life” killed himself using his late wife’s cancer drug after she died fighting the disease, an inquest has heard.
Adam Thompson, 39, was found dead at his home in Mulbarton, Norfolk, by his father on October 10.
His death came four months after that of his wife Lucy, 44, who had battled breast cancer for five years after being first diagnosed with the disease in February 2018.
Around the same time, he also suffered the loss of a close family member and his pet dog.
Father-of-three Adam, who had run Real Estate Agent in Norwich with his wife, was caught after failing to turn up for work.
An investigation found he died from cocaine and opioid toxicity.
Adam’s family said they ‘loved and missed’ him with all their hearts
Adam took his own life following 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 affectionate; a loving and devoted father, son, brother and husband. He was very loved by everyone, he always had time for everyone and had many, many friends.’
According to the Eastern Daily Press, he was described as a man who “worked very hard, played hard” and enjoyed sports, especially golf.
They described him as “devoted” to his wife Lucy, with whom he had been in a relationship for 11 years, adding that she was “everything” to him.
The couple married in July 2019 after doctors gave Lucy the all-clear. But in June 2020, she was told that she had multiple tumors in her liver, caused by secondary breast cancer. Norwich Evening News reports.
The statement added that after Lucy’s death, Adam “didn’t know how to move on” after losing his stone: “Adam was so devastated to lose his wife.” He said that 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 found that after Lucy told doctors she wanted to spend her final days at home, she was given painkillers which then remained in the house after her death.
Adam Thompson (left), 39, was found dead at his home in Mulbarton, Norfolk, by his father on October 10.
Lucy Thompson died five years after her first cancer diagnosis in 2018 at the age of 44.
The couple worked at Reality Estate Agents in Norfolk, although Adam was previously a police officer.
Announcing Lucy’s death online, her family said she “was everyone’s hero, the life and soul of the party and we will miss her forever.”
They also praised her bravery throughout her battle with cancer and asked that those who wish to remember her donate to cancer charities The Big C and The Royal Marsden Hospital.
A fundraiser in his memory raised almost £2,000 for charities.
Together, Adam and Lucy raised a total of £14,000, including taking part in a skydive in 2021. Other fundraising events included a 400 mile bike ride and a 25km walk.
Announcing Adam’s death, a Reality Estate Agent spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of my fellow director Adam, who tragically lost his battle with life, whilst mourning the recent death of his wife Lucy.”
His father, Nigel Thompson, said: ‘Adam was a gifted and gifted person, a loving husband, father, brother and friend who created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for anyone who came into his presence.
‘He was a very loving and fun-loving person and was the first to help when someone needed it. “Adam was full of life in so many ways.”
She added that her son stayed by Lucy’s side during her battle with cancer and “shared her pain until the end.”
He continued: ‘Every loss weakens this loving and caring person. All her beloved treasure was taken from her; all plans, aspirations, lost.
“Life suddenly lost its purpose and had no meaning anymore.”
The area coroner, Yvonne Blake, concluded that Mr Thompson committed suicide.
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