A woman ended both her and her son's lives just two days after being sent home with a terminal cancer diagnosis
Shirley Nunn, 67, and her son, Steven, 50, were discovered dead at their home in Middlesbrough in October 2021, Daily Mail reported.
The tragedy occurred exactly two years after the death of Nunn’s husband, Paul, who also succumbed to cancer.
The 67-year-old woman, who had spent years as a full-time carer for her son Steven, was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer in July 2021. By August, the disease had spread to her brain, spine, and pelvis, leaving her with a terminal prognosis.
A Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) determined that the mother most likely felt there was no other option for her son’s future care, leading to the heartbreaking decision to end both of their lives.
The report described her as a “loving and caring” mother who was far more concerned about Steven’s well-being than her own declining health. "She was tearful on two occasions reflecting on her deteriorating health conditions," the inquiry recorded.
However, despite clear emotional distress, the panel felt that opportunities were missed to address Shirley's psychological and care needs while she was in the hospital.
Steven had suffered a traumatic brain injury at just 11 years old, leaving him in a coma. He endured several operations that affected his ability to walk and resulted in substantial learning difficulties.
Over the years, the man was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and needed round-the-clock care due to balance issues and difficulties with emotional regulation.
Shirley had been Steven's primary caregiver and was supported by adult social care services since 2005. Even after her terminal diagnosis, she remained responsible for her son's care, with arrangements made for palliative support at home. She even continued attending hospital appointments until days before her passing.
The DHR found that the mom had expressed suicidal thoughts in September 2021 after her antidepressant medication was temporarily stopped. The medication was later resumed, but no further mental health intervention was provided.
In early October, she was admitted to the hospital again for cancer-related treatment. The hospital staff was informed that palliative care was being arranged for her at home and that she “preferred to die at home".
Just two days after being discharged, Shirley's sister contacted the police, and they found both her and Steven dead in their home.
The multi-agency review concluded that multiple “missed opportunities” may have prevented the tragic deaths. It found that Shirley showed “increasing signs of emotional instability" in the weeks leading up to her death.
"During [Nunn's] time in hospital and receiving treatment, there had been opportunities to consider [Nunn's] emotional needs and consider whether she remained physically and mentally able to continue as [Steven's] carer," the report read.
Had these conversations taken place earlier, Shirley could have been “empowered and encouraged” to make future care decisions for her son, the panel concluded.
The report also criticized the six-week delay in addressing the late mom's concerns about her son’s care. It stated that this discussion should have been treated as “urgent".
Although the inquiry found “nothing to indicate” that Shirley had planned to take her own life and that of her son, the panel acknowledged the immense emotional burden she carried.
"This was a very difficult and distressing case, and the panel recognizes the impact this has had on family members and professionals who worked with both [Steven] and [Ms. Nunn] throughout their lives," the document read.
"We can only assume she felt there was no other option or alternative for [Steven's] ongoing care and support needs and took what must have been the very difficult decision which resulted in their deaths," it added.
The findings have since led to recommendations for healthcare professionals and adult social care workers to better assess emotional vulnerabilities, particularly when a caregiver is facing a terminal diagnosis.
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