London - A couple who retired to France from Britain have been found dead after the husband, aged 98, apparently shot his wife before killing himself.
Derek Hawkins, whose wife Sheila was 86, is said to have told a therapist recently that he was “morally tired” and “if I go, it won’t be alone”.
Police believe the couple had made a suicide pact because of their advanced age.
They moved to the tiny Pyrenean village of Fabas, near Toulouse, around 30 years ago and lived in an old farmhouse where they bred Dachshunds.
A neighbour said they were a lovely couple who had often spoken about their dream retirement, but seemed to find life difficult as they aged.
A cleaner found the bodies in their home on Monday.
There was no sign of a struggle and a .22 calibre rifle was found near Mr Hawkins, who was originally from the US.
Mrs Hawkins, who was British, had a wound to her body.
Daily Mail