Grief-Stricken Husband Found His Wife Dead In the Night After Experiencing Shoulder Pain

Chisom Ndianefo
A man with his hands on his head
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A 38-year-old man, Richard Duffy is heartbroken after his wife, Clare, 41, died from a shoulder pain! Serious health issues often show up with minor symptoms such that they cause damage if you don't attend to it immediately.

It Seemed Like A Small Pain

A man holding his shoulder
Unsplash | Afif Ramdhasuma

Per Daily Mail, Richard said his wife, Clare, complained of an excruciating pain in her shoulder on the morning of her death. Typically, they turned to first aid and decided a hot bath plus sleep would ease the pain.

First Aid Didn't Work

A woman sleeping
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Sadly, that was a bad idea because once Clare slept, her life ended. Richard found her unresponsive after noticing she didn't wake up from her nap. He called the UK emergency service, 999, and they responded immediately.

The Aftermath

The 38-year-old is still stunned that a "mere" shoulder pain could cause death. He told news reporters outside his home that he was distraught and emotionally numb from the incident.

Cause Of Death Determined

X-ray of the heart
Unsplash | CDC

Further reports revealed that Clare died of a pulmonary embolism - blood clot in the lung's artery. Mayo Clinic says it often starts from the legs and travels through the body to the heart.

Symptoms Of Pulmonary Embolism

Typically, symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism include, chest pains, short breaths, coughing up blood, and fainting. The shoulder ache was a rare manifestation but it's not impossible.

Treating Pulmonary Embolism

A Red pill
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When detected early, Pulmonary Embolism is treatable using anticoagulants, and adjusting your diets.

Never Leave Your Health To Chance

Always prioritize your health and visit the hospital for routine checkups. Monitor your health history and don't leave any symptoms to chance.

Missing Clare

A burial ground
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Clare's death hit her family hard because they described her as a loving woman who made everyone feel good. She left behind two children - a boy, Harry, and a girl, Alice, who are now teenagers.

The Children Are Heartbroken

Richard told the Evening news reporter that his children are still reeling from their mother's death. They've withdrawn into themselves as they grieve Clare's loss.

A Double Loss

He set up a fundraising account to solicit funeral costs as he recently lost his mother-in-law as well. The older woman died three weeks before his wife last January 8.

Reaching Their Target

The Duffy's GoFundMe set a target of Five Thousand Pounds and raised over Four Thousand as of February 5.

Spreading Positivity

With the funds almost complete, the funeral date is set sadly on Valentine's Day, next week. Richard wants to use her burial as a celebration of life like she'd have wanted.

Focusing On His Children

A father with his children at the breakfast table
Unsplash | Tyson

The 38-year-old hopes his family can recover from this loss especially his teenage children.

Call 999 For Emergencies

a police vehicle
Unsplash | Jack Lucas Smith

Once again, you can call 999 in case of an emergency or visit the Accident and Emergency wing of any hospital.