'Dark version of dating apps': People in Britain search for suicide partners

In the United Kingdom, more than 700 people have posted about apro-suicide website tofinda partner to end their life with. The site reportedly has a member section, where people can choose their partner to die with.

The various suicidal threads were discovered by the BBC.

It is also believed that predators are targeting emotionally weak women and exploiting their vulnerabilities.

In December 2019, Angela Stevens’ 28-year-old son named Bratt flew from his home to the mainland of Scotland to be with the woman he contacted on the partner’s thread.

They booked a place on Airbnb and committed suicide.

“I miss everything about Brett, his smile, his infectious laugh,” Angela says.

Angela, after losing her beloved son, dedicated most of her life to looking for pro-suicide sites, specifically partner threads. “It’s a very dangerous place,” says Angela.

Angela states these sites as the dark version of dating apps. “Where else would you go to find a partner to take your own life with?” she says. “It’s just absolutely vile,” Angela added.

These sites influence users to take their own lives and also provide features where they instruct how to commit suicide.

According to the BBC, 130 British people have used this website to take their own lives.

Members are suggested to post their credentials, including the method for their suicide, in order to search for a partner.

Helen Kite’s sister, Linda, a victim of this suicidal site, found a man who was willing to die with her. Linda texted, "I am 54F [female], based near London. I can travel and could pay for a hotel if that suited. Obviously, would be good to chat first.”

They checked into a Romford hotel in East London and took their lives after consuming toxic chemicals on 1 July 2023.

Kite said, “Linda was found lying next to the body of a total stranger. It’s the platform that preys on desperate souls.”

Kite believes, “Every day, innocent victims seeking support are snared by the forum, unimpeded by the authorities.”

The worst was yet to come in Helen’s life. In September 2023, Helen’s other sister, Sarah, took a similar step as Linda by going to the same platform and consuming the same toxic chemical, as she could not bear the grief of losing her.

Encouraging Murder

The further disturbing aspect of this site was observed when predators specifically looked for vulnerable young girls.

In 2022, in Glasgow, a case came to light involving 31-year-old Craig McNally, who volunteered to be the partner of a young woman looking for someone to die with.

He lured the emotionally weak 25-year-old woman to visit his flat to practice suicide.

McNally then repeatedly choked her to death.

McNally was arrested from his home. After a proper investigation, it was found he had tried a similar tactic with a woman named Roberta Barbos, a 22-year-old student.

Barbos refused to meet him but later took her own life in February 2020.

“It’s like something from a horror movie, from another world,” said Roberta’s mother, Maria Barbos. “I couldn’t believe that a website like this would even exist. They’re sick minds.”

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact asuicide prevention hotline.WION does not make any recommendations.