Wife dies of 'broken heart' after learning husband didn't have long, who also succumbs 24 hours later

In a heartbreaking yet endearing story, a devoted couple who were married close to 70 years, died within 24 hours of each other in the UK, with the wife succumbing to what the family said was a 'broken heart'.

Anne Beaumont, 89, 'died of a broken heart', according to her family, after doctors said her husband, Frank, 91, suffering from dementia, did not have long to live.Anne was in relatively good health when she died, and Frank also passed away nearly 24 hours later after being told of his wife's death.

"They have gone together, they did everything together, you think 'you can't write this how does this happen?'. Well organised, you don't know how you do that but they did it," son Ian Beaumont was quoted as saying by DailyMail.

Frank was admitted to the Greenacres Care Home in Meltham, West Yorkshire, last year after being diagnosed with 'severe dementia' asAnne could no longer look after him at home.

"She didn't want to do that but was really struggling,"said Ian.

After her health deteriorated, Anne was also sent to same home in April this year. Although the husband and wife were placed in different wings of the home, Anne would make sure to spend time with Frank every day. Even though the dementia was severe, Frank still knew who his wife was.

Frank knew Anne was his wife

On the day of Anne's death, she spent the afternoon with Frank. Doctors informed her that Frank would be moved to a different care home as his health was deteriorating. The information that her husband was close to dying perhaps left Anne heartbroken and she died peacefully in her sleep.

The family said "there was no heart attack or anything". She just died.

"It was evident he was going downhill, and then suddenly my mother passed away. A couple of GPs I have spoke to said there is a known medical syndrome of a broken heart," said Ian.

"She knew he was going downhill and had also been told the week before that he will probably have to go to another care home because his nursing needs were too much for that one and I think that upset her because she wouldn't then be with him. The whole thing just came to a head."

The family said the couple had a fulfilling life and did everything together. Ian said despite them passing away in a span of 24 hours, it was 'comforting' that they did not have to be without each other for long.

(With inputs from agencies)