Another tragedy struck the Coyne family yesterday when 57-year-old Bruce Coyne, brother of the late Weakest Link presenter, Fiona, was found dead in his Rietondale home.
It is believed he committed suicide but the reasons that led to the suicide are still unknown. Police were called to the house after Bruce’s wife Jackie found him dead and alerted the neighbours.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Duane Lightfoot said police found the body on the bed: “At about 6am, the Moot police went to the house of Mr Coyne after being called out by a neighbour.
“Upon arrival, Mr Coyne was found dead on a bed inside the house.”
Police also found a note that was apparently addressed to Jackie. “His wife called the neighbour after reading a letter that was addressed to her by (Bruce).”
Lightfoot said he could not divulge the contents of the note at this point.
Fiona also committed suicide in August at her home in Fish Hoek and left two notes, one addressed to her mother and the other to her domestic worker.
The family has taken the death of the two very badly.
Bruce’s niece, Samantha Coyne, daughter of his younger brother Charles, yesterday said: “The loss of a life partner, son, brother and uncle has come as a blow.
“Our family would like to thank those who have been close to us in this time of unexpected sorrow,” she said.
“Bruce Coyne was an inspirational man - he taught me how to live beyond boundaries and social expectations.
“He made a person believe that anything was possible as long as you kept remembering how to believe.
“It is hard to accept that he is no longer near me, but I know that he’ll always be close to me as he is part of who I am,” Samantha added.
Lightfoot said because no foul play was suspected as to the cause of Bruce’s death, police would open an inquest docket.
Bruce, who was the eldest of the Coyne children, leaves behind his wife, his mother Dolly, 78, his brother Charles, 53, sister-in-law Nicky, 50 and three nieces Celeste, 31, Samantha, 28 and Kristen, 16. - Pretoria News