Mystery still surrounds death of elderly couple who were found mummified in Tipperary home

Inquest into deaths of Nicholas and Hilary Smith, whose bodies were discovered more than year later in their remote bungalow, heard the details of their deaths will never be known

The remains of the couple were found by gardaí on June 20, 2022, after neighbours had expressed concern for their welfare, having not seen them in some time. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

An 82-year-old retired sea captain and his 79-year-old wife who were found mummified at their remote bungalow at Rossane, Cloneen, Co Tipperary, in June 2022 had been dead for at least a year, their inquest has heard, with mystery still surrounding the circumstances of their passing.

Nicholas Smith, who joined the Merchant Navy and then worked on cruise ships in Australia, died of severe coronary artery disease. Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan said gardaí had been unable to ascertain a cause of death for his wife, Hilary, as her body was so severely decomposed.