An elderly couple who died after falling from cliffs near Whitby Abbey have been named by North Yorkshire Police as David Jeffcock, 80, and Susan Jeffcock, 74. The incident occurred on July 30, with witnesses reporting seeing the pair 'hand in hand' before the fall.
A witness told The Daily Mail that he observed the couple 'jumping' from the cliff edge. 'Police, ambulances, and mountain rescue and coastguard helicopters were on the scene very quickly,' he said. 'The next thing we know is they jumped. It was absolutely horrific to see. The poor souls did not stand a chance. They fell straight onto the rocks below.'
The Jeffcocks were the first of four people to die in a series of cliff falls over five days. On July 31, the body of a woman in her 60s was found at the bottom of the cliffs near the Pavilion. On August 2, the body of a woman believed to be in her 50s was discovered at Sandsend. Her injuries were consistent with a fall from the cliff edge. The identities of these two women remain unknown.
A Coastguard spokesperson expressed condolences, stating: 'Despite the very best efforts of all involved, sadly, not every outcome can be changed. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected.' They urged the public to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anyone in trouble at the coast.
An inquest into the deaths of Mr and Mrs Jeffcock is scheduled for Monday, September 22 at Northallerton Coroner's Court.
