In a tragic twist of events, a terminally ill Florida man and his wife of over 50 years have both passed away after a pact gone wrong.
77-year-old Richard Gilland and his wife, 76-year-old Ellen Gilland, were married for over five decades when they made a pact to take their own lives if Richard’s illness became too much to bear.
On Tuesday, Richard was admitted to a Florida hospital due to his deteriorating health, and Ellen decided it was time to follow through on the pact. Ellen entered the hospital room with a gun and fatally shot her husband. She then turned the gun on herself, but could not bring herself to pull the trigger. Police arrived on the scene and found both Ellen and Richard deceased. It is believed that Ellen had made the pact out of love, as she was not able to bear the thought of her husband’s pain.
The couple is survived by their four children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. In a statement released by the family, they said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved parents. We are all struggling with this tragedy, but we are comforted by their love for one another. We take solace in knowing that they are both at peace now.” This tragic incident has left the family, friends, and community stunned. Richard and Ellen have been described as a loving couple who had been through a great deal together.
The hospital staff, as well as the police, have expressed their condolences on this heartbreaking incident. The police are still investigating the incident, but no charges are expected to be filed. It is believed that this was an act of love, and no criminal intent was involved. The Gilland family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, and all thoughts and prayers are with them.