My husband was folding our washing the day after our perfect honeymoon – we were so happy but then my world fell apart
A BRIDE was devastated when her new husband killed himself the day after their "perfect" honeymoon - before sending her flowers from beyond the grave.
Isabel Coles married her husband Christopher in September 2024 after meeting on a dating app a year and a half before, and said they were "insanely happy".
8
Isabel Coles and husband Christopher were "insanely happy" before getting married
Credit: Kennedy News
8
They tied the knot in September 2024
Credit: Kennedy News
8
And celebrated their honeymoon at a music festival
Credit: Kennedy News
8
Christopher popped the question after completing a marathon
Credit: Kennedy News
As music was a big part of their relationship, the newlyweds chose to go to a beach-front music festival at the iconic Asbury Park in New Jersey, US, for their honeymoon.
"We were so insanely happy and in love," Isabel said.
"We went to the Sea.Here.Now Festival for our honeymoon - it was the perfect way to celebrate our marriage."
But upon returning from the seaside festival, Isabel, 32, said her husband began to act "weird" and refused to tell her what was on his mind.
The 28-year-old is said to have left the house the morning after the honeymoon with a handgun and walked to a nearby forest despite his wife's attempts to stop him.
"In the morning, he was folding laundry and things were a little weird. I asked him what was wrong, and he said 'nothing'," Isabel recalled.
"He went downstairs and tried to get out. I stood at the front door and asked what was going on.
"He got out and started heading towards the woods.
Most read in Fabulous
"I ran upstairs to get shoes on and realised he had taken his handgun."
The army veteran was reportedly found by his father the following morning, having taken his own life.
Virginia Giuffre showed 'no signs' she was suicidal as conspiracy rage
"I was shocked, I was devastated," Isabel, from Southern Pines, North Carolina, US, said.
"He was great during our honeymoon, we had a great time.
"My husband was very successful and very driven and motivated and he was such a good person, so looking back I think, 'were there signs?'
"He was very hard on himself, always pushing himself. There were no signs, it did take me really off guard.
"After he passed, I got an overwhelming amount of messages from people saying we looked so happy and that they always wanted what we had."
In a final bizarre twist, Isabel was stunned to receive a bouquet of flowers from Christopher months after his death - as he'd arranged them to be delivered while he would be away with the military.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others…
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM,
Heads Together,
HUMEN
Mind,
Papyrus,
Samaritans,
"In February I got a flower delivery from him and I freaked out," she said.
"I contacted the florist and they said he ordered the flowers in September because he knew he would be deployed and travelling back around Valentine's Day."
The mum-of-one shared her story online on a viral video which has gathered almost 40 million views.
Isabel claims some commenters have slammed her for sharing her husband's story and blame her for his death.
There are things I do blame myself for but I don't think we were unhappy or that I did it
Isabel Coles
Isabel now aims to raise awareness about mental health and plans to run the Chicago Marathon in October 2025 to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
"Everyone wants a reason why," she said.
"No one believes that a smart, handsome, successful man who has a great life wakes up one day and decides to end his life.
"There are people in my life that say I had something to do with it.
"I know it's not true, my husband and I were very happy.
"No one can change that or take that away from me.
"There are things I do blame myself for but I don't think we were unhappy or that I did it.
"He obviously was fighting demons and no one knew about it."
As for how Isabel is coping following her husband's death, she admitted she's "not doing well".
"There's a part of me that is gone forever," she sighed.
Read more on the Irish Sun
"There's still so much that I'm dealing with that make me feel like I'm re-living the moment over and over again which is very tough.
"He didn't do it to hurt me, he wouldn't do anything to hurt me. For whatever reason he probably thought that people would be better off without him."
8
Isabel has since shared her shocking and devastating story on social media
Credit: Kennedy News
8
She insisted there were "no signs" that Christopher was struggling with his mental health
Credit: Kennedy News
8
She said he would never have done anything to hurt her
Credit: Kennedy News
8
In another twist, Isabel received flowers from Christopher on Valentine's Day - five months after his death
Credit: Kennedy News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Police released my abusive ex – hours later he burned down my house as I slept but that wasn't the biggest tragedy
WHEN Louise Simpson walks past the family home where she raised her son it isn't nostalgia that she feels but despair. It was the sight of one of the most harrowing events of her life and one that saw Louise lose not only dozens of sentimental memories but also her beloved pet dog. 8 Louise Simpson was devastated when she lost her beloved dog Peggy in the house fire caused by her ex Credit: Supplied 8 Adrian West was arrested hours earlier for smashing her doorbell camera with a rock but was released Credit: SWNS 8 West burnt down the home where Louise had lived for decades and raised her son Credit: SWNS Her violent ex, Adrian West, who was caught attacking her home on her West had subjected Louise to months of violent attacks including strangling, punching and kicking. She finally kicked him out of her house in Louise, 53, called the police and West spent a night in the cells before being released without charge the following day. Read More on Real Lives But later that day he returned to the property and started a fire in the porch which quickly engulfed the house. Louise - who was taking a nap at the time - was woken by neighbours and scrambled to escape as her bedroom was filled with thick black smoke. But her beloved West has now been jailed for six years after pleading guilty to arson and a string of assaults on Louise. Most read in Fabulous She is now campaigning for a change in the law to consider companion animals as sentient beings rather than property as they are currently seen. Reliving the arrest, Louise says: 'The police came out and arrested him. Danielle Secker bravely shares her story of horrific domestic abuse "I was sobbing, saying: 'Whatever happens, I just don't want him to be able to come near me again'. So he was kept in custody overnight. 'They called me about 10.45am the next morning and said that he was going to be released with no further action. 'I said: 'Well, what do I do? He's going to come back.' And they said they can't do anything unless he does something more. "They genuinely seemed to be more worried about how abusive he'd been to the arresting officers the day before.' Louise called police on September 13 last year when a drunk West tried to smash her door and Ring doorbell camera with a rock. She wouldn't open the door and called the police. He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and held overnight at a local police station. Louise was told they could not take further action because she had not signed the witness statement she had provided. She says: "At the time I didn't particularly want to get him in too much trouble, I thought he isn't getting any younger and all I wanted was for him to just leave me alone. 8 Horrifying before and after photos show the extent of the damage Credit: SWNS 8 Louise was offered new accomodation but she is determined to return to her old home Credit: SWNS 8 West has now been jailed for six years after pleading guilty to arson and a string of assaults on Louise Credit: SWNS "I asked the police that whatever happened could they please just warn him about coming back to my house again" Fearing that West would return to her house the following day, she blocked the front door with a toolbox and stockpiled food for a few days. She was 'shattered' and laid down for a nap. A heavy sleeper, she awoke at 3.16pm to her neighbours raising the alarm that her house was on fire. For about four or five days, I couldn't eat. I just laid on the sofa Louise Simpson Fire forensics later told Louise they believe he used white spirit as an accelerant. Three-year-old Peggy hid under the bed and was too heavy for Louise to drag her out. "If she decided she wasn't going to move, you could not move her," Louise says. "I was desperately trying, but I couldn't breathe, so I ran down the stairs.' Louise was able to pull the toolbox out of the way but once outside she ran back in in a second attempt to rescue Peggy. "I was trying to cover my mouth with my hands and putting my T-shirt over my mouth but because the smoke was so thick I couldn't breathe,' she says. 'My neighbours were all telling me to get out.' Firefighters rescued Peggy from the house but were unable to resuscitate her. Louise stayed with her son Connor, 28, after the fire. Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. She says: 'For about four or five days, I couldn't eat. I just laid on the sofa. I didn't wash, didn't brush my teeth. 'I was just crying non-stop, I couldn't take it all in.' She now stays between her Connor's house and a friend's in nearby Crawley. The council offered her alternative accommodation but she would prefer to move back into her house once it is repaired in about a year. She says: 'I've lived in that home for 28 years. I raised my son there. I've got good memories there as well.' Her possessions suffered fire, smoke or water damage. Peggy's life was given as much value as a bookcase Louise Simpson Louise lost personal photos, her mum's ashes, a hairbrush which had her mum's hair still in it, an elephant made for her by her daughter-in-law out of her mum's clothes and Connor's baby clothes she was saving for her grandchildren. West, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to arson with intent, criminal damage, non-fatal strangulation, common assault and two counts of actual bodily harm on May 2. He was sentenced to six years and three months in jail. Louise is upset that Peggy's death was not considered in the sentencing. She wants offenders to be punished for killing companion animals like dogs and cats. She adds: 'Peggy's life was given as much value as a bookcase. 'She was my absolute world. 'What I used to go through with him, she was the one constant that was there by my side; my best friend.' A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "West was arrested on 13 September 2024 on suspicion of criminal damage and spent the night in custody. 'He was released without charge as the victim did not wish to sign a statement at the time." The Ministry of Justice says it has no plans to change the law. To sign her petition, click 8 The mum is staying with her son Connor while she waits for repairs on her home Credit: Supplied 8 Louise is fighting to change the law so animals are seen as sentient beings Credit: Supplied
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I swapped smoking for ‘healthier' vaping but was left ‘clinically dead' after puffing on my first ever e-cig
A WOMAN who began smoking at the age of eight was left with horrific third-degree burns across more than half of her body when her first vape exploded in her face. Cherylee Parker decided to try a blueberry-flavoured vape after being enticed by the sweet-swelling fumes drifting into her apartment from her neighbours . Advertisement 8 Cherylee Parker had smoked since the age of eight and decided to give vaping a go Credit: Kennedy News 8 But the vape exploded in her face, setting her alight, and leaving her with severe third-degree burns Credit: Kennedy News The 49-year-old was reaching into her fridge to get some food while vaping and claims the device suddenly "sparked" and set her elbow-length hair on fire. Burning chunks of hair dropped onto her arm, setting her clothing and carpet alight. Cherylee desperately tried to smother the flames on her top with a dressing gown but unintentionally stoked them so raced to the bathroom to throw water on herself. But as the bathtub took "forever" to fill, she then decided to try the 'stop, drop and roll' method while dialling 911 as smoke and flames filled the apartment. Advertisement Read more on vaping Cherylee, who doesn't work, said she was clinically dead when paramedics arrived and spent a week "dying over and over again" while in hospital. After a three-month stint in hospital having 15 operations to treat burns all over her body, including her left ear and breast, Cherylee was discharged from hospital. Two-and-a-half years on from her ordeal in November 2022, Cherylee is sharing her story so people know to 'stop, drop and roll', as she credits this for saving her life. Cherylee, from Summertown, Tennessee, US, said: "Just before Thanksgiving around my apartment I was smelling blueberries and it just smelled so good. Advertisement Most read in Health "I said to someone 'are you smelling those blueberries?' they said 'yeah it's a vape'. "I was like 'hmm that might save me from making a blueberry pie' so, as I was quitting smoking, I bought a vape pen. Teen told he was coughing up 'pints' of blood due to a stomach ulcer caused by kebabs - 'excessive vaping' was to blame "On Thanksgiving evening I was sitting in my chair, I'd just finished a movie on my tablet and was eating. "I went to put the leftovers away while vaping and as I opened the fridge door it sparked and suddenly my hair was on fire. Advertisement "I was wearing jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt and had my robe, which I wear when I'm freezing. "I tried to use it to beat the flames out but it made the flames bigger and go up my arms and my face. "I ran to the bathroom and turned the tub on, it felt like forever to get water in the tub. "Stop, drop, roll was my very last chance. [I did that] my telephone was in my back pocket and I managed to call 911. Advertisement I don't remember the paramedics coming into me, I was dead but they revived me Cherylee Parker "At that point I screamed, I said 'God please take me. I'm ready, I can't do this' so he did. "I don't remember the paramedics coming into me, I was dead but they revived me." Cherylee was rushed to a nearby ER department before being transferred to the burns unit at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. There she underwent $2million-worth of treatment (equivalent to around £1.6million), covered by her health insurance, to treat the burns on her body, including skin grafts. Advertisement Cherylee said: "I spent a week dying over and over again, they call it circling the drain. "I had burns across 55 per cent of my body, I didn't have anything less than third-degree burns. 8 Cherylee said she was dead but paramedics revived her Credit: Kennedy News 8 The burns were across 55 per cent of her body Credit: Kennedy News Advertisement 8 left ear and breast were burned off and I had to have 15 surgeries Credit: Kennedy News 8 She's now undergone $2million-worth of treatment to treat the burns on her body Credit: Kennedy News "My left ear and breast were burned off and I had to have 15 surgeries. It was the worst pain - nobody realises unless you're a burns survivor ." Once discharged from hospital in February 2023 Cherylee, who had to learn how to walk again, went for regular check-ups where doctors removed dead skin and changed her bandages. Advertisement Cherylee is sharing her story to educate people about the dangers of fires and what to do if you face a similar situation. Cherylee said: "I didn't know vape pens could "If you're ever unfortunately in the same position as me, my advice is to stop, drop and roll straight away, that should be your number one goal. "Because in that moment there's a chance to save yourself, that's the only thing that's going to put the flames out. Advertisement "I'm not vaping anymore, one time was a good enough try for me. I started smoking when I was eight years old." What is 'Stop, Drop and Roll'? IF someone's clothing is on fire, use the following steps: Stop, Drop and Roll. Stop the casualty from panicking and moving around as any movement will increase the flames. Drop the casualty onto the ground and wrap him/her in a fire blanket or heavy fabric such as a coat or blanket. Roll the casualty along the ground until the flames have been put out. Source: St John Ambulance 8 Cherylee says it's the worst pain she's ever felt Credit: Kennedy News 8 She's now sharing her story to educate people about the dangers of fires and what to do in a similar situation Credit: Kennedy News
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
I'm fuming a ‘predator' adult woman chatted up my child on our family holiday – even AFTER I told her his age
A MUM has been left fuming after a 33-year-old "predator" tried to chat up her 16-year-old son on holiday. Carmel 3 Carmel was left "raging" after catching a 33-year-old "predator" trying to chat up her 16-year-old son Credit: 3 The woman's attempt to get the teenager's Snapchat details came AFTER Carmel told her he was only 16 Credit: The woman had initially started speaking to Carmel, asking if her son has had his teeth done - to which she replied: "No, he's 16 - they're natural". The woman then replied "Wow, they're lovely". A few minutes later, Carmel went to the bar and left her son sitting with his grandad, at which point the "33-year-old woman turned around to my 16 year old son and said, 'Give me your Snapchat'." Carmel added that the woman - who she said looked "older than 33" - had "slyly" waited until she'd walked off so that she could approach her son. Read more Parenting stories "You knew it were wrong," she continued. "You knew exactly what you were doing, predator, didn't you?" When Carmel discovered what had happened, she went up to the woman - who was on a FaceTime call at the time - and demanded to know why she had asked her son for his Snapchat. And when confronted, the woman admitted: "I knew it were wrong, and I'm sorry". Most read in Fabulous "What were you gonna do? Have your wicked way and buy him a Big Mac?" Carmel raged. She concluded her video by saying she hoped the woman saw her TikTok, because they're both still in the resort and Carmel's "still not over it". I make my teenage daughters pay rent to stay in 'apartments' at home, and I'll 'evict' them if they don't cough up "I'm still raging!" she added in the caption. And in the comments section, people were quick to have their say - with the majority agreeing with Carmel that it was "totally inappropriate". "Imagine this was a man to a 16 year old girl," one sighed. "This is so wrong!" "My 17 year old has said women my age - in their 40s - have tried chatting him up when he's out," another added. "Absolutely gross and they are lucky I've never been there!!!!" "Why are you even having to deal with this s**t?" a third shouted. "Makes me sick - absolute freak!" someone else agreed. "I'm 37 and my eldest is 18, and I'd still have gone mental!" "Totally inappropriate," another said. "I'm 32 and have Snapchat only to contact my 13 year old niece! "Otherwise she'd never reply to my messages!" "Having Snapchat in your 30's is a waving red flag," someone else insisted. 3 Others insisted that the woman even having Snapchat at her age was a "red flag" Credit: Reuters
