The man and woman were found June 20 in Cloneen, at Co Tipperary, according to Gardai, who said they were investigating “all circumstances.” The bodies were retired cruise ship captain Nicholas Smith, 82, and Hilary’s wife, 79, according to the Irish Times. He said they were found in separate rooms as neighbors worried about the couple’s well-being, with some apparently believing they had moved to France. Judging by the items in their refrigerator, the Irish Times reported that police believe they died during a severe COVID blockade in late 2020. According to reports, there were no signs of weapons or offensive play. The post-mortem examinations reportedly took place on Tuesday for more than nine hours, but the first results were unclear.
