"Couldn't Live Without His Wife"... 90s American Couple Choose Death With Dignity on Same Day

Decision Made in Washington State, Where Physician-Assisted Dying Is Permitted

It was belatedly revealed that an elderly couple in their 90s passed away on the same day in Washington State, USA. The wife was suffering from a terminal heart disease, and after much discussion, the couple reportedly chose so-called "death with dignity" through physician-assisted dying.

According to the American media outlet People, Eva Newman and Drues Newman, a couple residing in Washington State, died with medical assistance on August 13, 2021. Their daughter, Corinne Gregory Sharp, assisted in the process of their passing.

An American couple in their 90s who decided to end their lives together in August 2021. People website

Eva, the wife, had been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis in 2018. Although doctors said surgery was possible, Eva refused due to the uncertain chances of success. She expressed her wish to "die naturally" and continued her battle with the illness. However, after a sudden deterioration following a fall during daily life, she ultimately applied for death with dignity.

Meanwhile, her husband Drues was distressed, saying, "I don't know how I would live if my wife goes first," and eventually chose to undergo death with dignity together with her. The medical team ultimately approved the couple's joint death with dignity. They chose Friday, August 13, 2021, as their final day. It was reported that they spent their last week together with their daughter until the day of their passing.

Their daughter Corinne recalled, "My mother was not afraid of death, and my father was afraid of life without his wife. In the end, the two of them overcame their fears together. That was not fear, but the completion of love."

As for why she revealed this story years after her parents' passing, she said, "I thought we needed to talk about death," and insisted, "When the time comes to leave, people should have the right to choose."

Meanwhile, in the United States, physician-assisted dying is permitted in 10 states, including Washington, Oregon, and California. However, the patient must personally apply and pass a confirmation and review process by a physician.