A couple who wanted to be “together forever” hugged each before jumping to their deaths in front of a train, an inquest heard. Melissa Wood, 27, and Christopher Linley, 34, were both battling drug addictions and took their own lives after struggling to cope with the “difficulties of life”.CCTV footage from Doncaster railway station in South Yorkshire showed the pair holding hands and hugging in the hours and minutes before their deaths.
As a train approached at 25mph, they embraced, walked towards the edge of the platform and jumped on to the tracks. Heart-wrenching notes from Christopher and Melissa to their families were uncovered at their home in Doncaster in the days afterwards.
They apologised to their loved ones and said that they wanted to be “together forever”.Doncaster Coroner’s Court heard how Christopher and Melissa both struggled with heroin addiction.
Housemates of the couple told police they had been on a “huge bender” lasting three weeks prior to their deaths. Toxicology reports found evidence of the class A drug as well as cocaine in their systems.
Coroner Nicola Mundy recorded a verdict of suicide in relation to the incident, which occurred on March 27 this year. The court heard emotional statements from both victims’ mothers.
Melissa’s mum Lisa Wood said: “I never suspected Melissa would commit suicide, she was always happy, bubbly and never stopped laughing.”Frances Glynn, Christopher’s mum, said: “I’m shocked by what’s happened.“All I had ever hoped was that he would make a success of himself, he had so much potential.
“He was a lovable rogue. I’m comforted by the fact Christopher and Melissa died together and had each other.”
