The inquest into the tragic deaths of two Islanders whose car plunged off the edge of Culver Cliff on Wednesday evening, took place yesterday (Friday 19th August) at the Newport Law Courts.
Coroner John Matthews, told the court that Paul Charles, 53, and his wife, Jacqueline, 48, died of multiple injuries after their car fell 328ft over the cliff at Culver Down.
The two were living apart at the time of their deaths. Paul in Albert Road in Sandown, and his wife, Jacqueline in Union Road in Ryde.
Children devastated at loss
The Daily Mail report that the couple who recently separated, left behind sons and daughters, both from previous relationships.
Our sincerest thoughts are with the children and families of Paul and Jacqueline.
Suicide notes left
Paul’s Mother, Sylvia Charles, 74, told the Daily Mail that, “The police have told me that they have found a suicide note at his house and at Jacqui’s house, but we don’t know what it said as they won’t tell us yet.”
Police appeal for witnesses
Police are still appealing for anyone who may have seen the couple before their death to come forward. They say the incident is not being linked to “any other deaths or criminality”.
Insp Colin Hall said earlier in the week, “Our investigation is focused on the couple’s behaviour shortly before the car went over the cliff.
“We must consider every possibility at this early stage but detectives are not looking for anyone else suspected of being responsible for the deaths.
“We’re continuing to appeal for more witnesses who may have seen a couple in a blue Renault Scenic car in or near the top car park at Culver on Wednesday evening.”
More detail in Daily Mail article (warning, contains ghoulish photos of the private grief of the families).
Image: treehouse1977 under CC BY-SA 2.0
