Heart-attack tragedy of devoted couple who died within hours

Police initially believed that Dorothy and Barry Makin may have been overcome by carbon monoxide fumes as they were found beside their dead cat.

But post-mortem examinations showed that the reclusive couple died of heart attacks and may have lain undiscovered in the house for up to two weeks, an inquest in Wakefield heard.

The presence of the dead cat led police to suspect that carbon monoxide may have leaked and caused all the deaths.

But a qualified gas engineer found all the appliances were well

serviced and none had leaked.

The inquest was told that Mr Makin, 72, a retired engineer, was found at the bottom of the stairs and was tightly wrapped in blankets, a cardigan and his wife's dressing gown.

It is believed that his 77-year-old wife, a retired factory worker, had tried to make him comfortable after the heart attack and, in a possibly confused and distressed state, had then suffered a heart attack herself.

Her body was found in the lounge, close to a lit gas fire. Both were dressed in night clothes and may have been getting ready for bed at the time.

The post mortem examinations revealed that Mr and Mrs Makin had

advanced heart disease which a pathologist said could have proved fatal at any time.

West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff said it could be assumed that Mrs Makin "became anxious and upset having found her husband in a collapsed state" which may have triggered a heart attack. Their son

Tony suggested this was a likely scenario.

The inquest heard that Mrs Makin was taking medication for conditions including diabetes, heart disease and angina.

Police found the bodies at their home in Cross Flatts Street, Beeston, last May after a neighbour became concerned that they had not been seen for several days.

The neighbour peered through a window and saw a body on the floor.

Neighbours described the Makins as a very private couple who were devoted to one another and "very happy with their own company".

Mr Hinchliff said the circumstances of the couple's death were unusual but it was not unheard for people to die of the same condition.

The couple's son Tony was in court as Mr Hincliff expressed his condolences.

"To lose one parent is bad enough but to lose both parents within the same timeframe is an intolerable burden to stand."

The coroner added: "Look at his from your parents' point of view. They probably would not have had it any other way - to be left alone, one or the other."

Mr Hinchliff said it appeared that Mrs Makin had gone to her husband's aid after he had slipped on the stairs or fallen due to having a heart attack.

The coroner added that it was possible that Mrs Makin did not have the "wherewithal" to ring the emergency services because she was so overcome with the situation.

Mr Hinchliff said that Mrs Makin "might well have been in a confused or agitated state" and had then died quite suddenly.

Mr Hinchliff recorded a verdict that Mr and Mrs Makin died as result of natural causes.