The couple were the first of four people to die after falling from the cliffs in five days
An elderly couple who “jumped” from the cliff edge at Whitby have been named. North Yorkshire Police have confirmed David Jeffcock, 80, and Susan Jeffcock, 74, died on July 30 after falling from the cliffs near Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire.
Prior to their deaths, a witness told The Daily Mail how he observed a pair “jumping” from the cliff edge. He was camping nearby on the clifftop when “all hell broke loose.”
He said: “Police, ambulances, and mountain rescue and coastguard helicopters were on the scene very quickly. The helicopter was here around 8pm on Wednesday night. The path leading to the cliff was extremely busy with walkers and dog walkers.”, reports Yorkshire Live.
“I was told the couple who died were walking along the path. Another couple were coming the other way. 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 pair were the first of four individuals to die after falling from the cliffs within five days. On July 31, the body of a woman in her 60s was discovered at the base of the cliffs by the Pavilion. Subsequently on August 2, the body of a woman, believed to be in her 50s, was located further along the coastline at Sandsend near the main car park.
Her injuries were consistent with her falling from the top of the cliff edge. The identities of the two women remain unknown.
An inquest into the deaths of Mr and Mrs Jeffcock is scheduled for Monday, 22 September at Northallerton Coroner’s Court.
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