In 2021, Shirley Nunn, 67, and her son Steven, 50, were found dead in their home in Middlesborough, England. Now, a new investigation reveals heartbreaking details surrounding the tragedy — a tragedy that could have been prevented.
In October 2021, 67-year-old Shirley Nunn received a devastating diagnosis.
Doctors told her that she had terminal cancer, and Shirley realized it was only a matter of time before she would pass away. While this news was heartbreaking, what seemed to weigh even heavier on her mind was the thought of how her son, Steven, would cope once she was gone.
Shirley had been a full-time caregiver for Steven ever since he suffered a tragic accident at the age of 11. The accident left him in a coma and caused severe brain damage. Despite numerous surgeries to save his life and help him recover, Steven’s injuries had lasting effects, leaving him unable to live independently.
He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and struggled with learning difficulties, mobility issues, and emotional control.
As a result, Shirley took on the role of his full-time caregiver. With the passing of her husband from cancer, she had been Steven’s primary support system, with assistance from adult social care that had been involved in his care since 2005.
Stage three lung cancer
As previously mentioned, Shirley was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer in 2021, and shortly after, she received a terminal diagnosis when the disease spread to her brain, spine, and pelvis.
Despite this devastating diagnosis, Shirley continued to care for her beloved son. The hospital and Shirley herself made arrangements for her to pass away at home, but she still wanted to do everything she could to help Steven. However, it wasn’t easy for her, and aa Domestic Homicide Review revealed that Ms. Nunn had been struggling with depression with thoughts of taking her own life.
The report highlighted how the ”loving and caring” Ms. Nunn was more worried about how her son would cope without her than about her own deteriorating health.
”She broke down in tears twice, reflecting on how her condition was worsening,” it revealed.
