A a couple described as a “modern Romeo and Juliet” hanged themselves from the same tree within weeks of each other.
Raymond Oswell, 31, was found in woods days after Victoria Kish-Donovan, 24, ended their relationship, an inquest heard.
Victoria, a mum of three, hanged herself from the same tree a fortnight later, leaving a note on the ground which said: “Together forever. I love you Ray.”
Coroner Nigel Meadows said: “This is almost a repetition of a play by Shakespeare called Romeo and Juliet, it could be the modern equivalent.
“Victoria was so traumatised by Raymond’s death she wanted to take her own life, even though it would be leaving her children and family.
“It must have been a similar consideration for Raymond.”
Manchester Evening News
The couple left their two children, a son, six, and a daughter, five, as well as Victoria’s eight-year-old son from a previous relationship.
Victoria’s mum Paula Donovan said her daughter felt responsible for unemployed builder Ray’s death in June last year.
She added that the tree near the pair’s home in Wythenshawe, Manchester, became a shrine to Raymond with flowers and photos.
Paula, 43, added: “Victoria was distraught. She would go to the tree and I would try and take her away, but she would not stay away.
"She just never stopped crying, she blamed herself for what happened to Ray and felt responsible.”
On July 7 last year police were alerted by boys who found Victoria at the same spot, hanging and barely alive.
After cutting her down, they tried to revive her but she could not be saved.
Manchester Evening News
Goodbye notes to her children and family, along with a love letter to Raymond, were later found in her bedroom.
Mr Meadows told the city inquest he was satisfied both intended to kill themselves.
He added: “This is a very sad set of circumstances for both Victoria and Raymond and their families.
“They may well have had their ups and downs but they must have had a very committed relationship.”
Victoria’s sister, Simone Kish-Donovan, 29, said the pair were “truly in love”.
She added: “They had been in love with each other for seven years and were always so close.
"You’ve never met parents like them – they were never away from the kids.
“Just from one mistake, two families have been ripped to pieces.”
Verdict: Suicide for both.
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