07 June 2023 , 13:26
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A married couple who were "devoted" to each other were tragically found dead at their home following a double suicide pact.
Cassie Collins, 35, and Francis Collins, 36, were discovered by a family member who had become concerned about their welfare, an inquest heard.
Three of their five pet dogs were also found dead at the home in Cullompton, Devon on September 11, 2021.
Shortly beforehand, their two larger dogs were put to sleep at the vets after claims they had been involved in an attack.
An inquest was held into their deaths at Exeter’s Coroners Court on Monday, and heard how the pair wee both struggling with challenges in their life.
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In the lead-up to their deaths, the couple were said to have carried out a number of pre-planned actions including creating a joint will, and sending letters and emails.
Three of their five pet dogs were also found dead at the home in Cullompton, Devon on September 11, 2021 (Google)A statement was read out from Cassie's sister Jodie, telling how they had both spoken in the past of wanting to end their lives, reports Devon Live.
She then received a letter through the post from Cassie on September 11, 2021, in which she apologised for being unable to cope with the pain she was in anymore.
After gaining entry into her home, Cassie was discovered lifeless in her bed cuddling three of their dogs - a chihuahua and two miniature pinschers - who were also deceased. Francis was found passed away in the hallway.
Jodie said: "Cassie had said a couple of years ago that if there were going to kill themselves they would kill the dogs as well as they wouldn't want anyone else looking after them."
The dogs were described as being like their 'children' because due to Cassie being in so much chronic pain she was not able to have children. Jodie said Cassie had previously spoken about not being able to live with the pain she was in and that the pending police investigation had left the couple 'really low'.
She said: "I think this was the tipping point."
Student nurse Cassie and Francis, who previously served in the military, were said to be together for 11 years after meeting in a call centre.
They were described by family members as "soulmates" who were "really good together and joined at the hip".
But they are said to have become worried about everything being taken from them after a new police investigation was launched against Francis.
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He had previously been jailed for throwing homemade firebombs onto a neighbour's drive following a civil dispute over the ownership of a piece of land when they lived in Wales. The couple moved to Cullompton in late 2020.
Cassie was also said to have endured many years living in chronic pain due to knee and shoulder injuries that left her unable to work and often bedbound.
She told her physiotherapist she felt "trapped in a cage", the inquest heard, and was being cared for by a pain management team.
She was referred to NHS service Talkworks but discharged in August 2021 after telling them she did not have suicidal plans.
An inquest was held into their deaths at Exeter’s Coroners Court on Monday (Devon Live/BPM)Cassie's mum, Deborah Coombes, told how the couple started living together in Exeter, and then moved to Chelmsford.
But just weeks before she was due to finish her nursing training, she exacerbated an existing knee injury while exercising, leaving her unable work again or complete her training.
The couple were later involved in a moped accident in Thailand and both injured their backs.
Deborah said: "Since then is when her really significant pain started. She spent most of her time in bed in agony. She described it as like rubbing sand into a cut all the time."
She added: "She regularly rang in tears about being unable to cope with the pain."
The mum said she had been aware of Cassie's struggle with suicidal thoughts but hoped she would not act on them.
She told the inquest that it was her belief that the culmination of pain she was in derived from their "troubles" in Wales and the latest police investigation had led to her death.
Mrs Coombes said: "I can 100 per cent say Francis wouldn't have killed her. They were devoted and soulmates and he said if anything happened to Cassie he would kill himself as she was everything to him."
Francis, whose father ended his life when he was just 10, was also assessed by Talkworks in May 2021.
He was urgently referred to the NHS mental health team after being found to have severe psychotic depression with daily suicidal thoughts.
He had previously been diagnosed with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and had a long history of depression and anxiety, and had made another, separate attempt to end his life.
It was observed that he was suffering from ongoing back pain, financial stress and was concerned about the ongoing police investigation.
Francis was under the care of the community mental health team and awaiting an ADHD assessment.
A police investigation confirmed there was no third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths.
During a search of their home, a video of Cassie - dated September 8 - was recovered stating she was going to take her own life and that she would not be in pain anymore. End of life notes were also found in the property.
Recording a conclusion of suicide for both deaths, Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Exeter and greater Devon, said: "I am satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, both Cassie and Francis have taken their own lives and intended to do so."
Addressing their family, she said: "This is particularly tragic circumstances and I can't imagine how it has been to deal with the loss of not one but of both of them."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch