Retired chimney sweep, 90, died simply hours after virus claimed lifetime of his spouse
The coronavirus husband who tore off his oxygen mask after hearing his wife died of the disease in another ward: Bill, 90, died just days after Mary, his 63-year-old wife
- Mary Dartnall, 90, stopped responding and went to the hospital in Southampton
- After initially things seemed to be better, Ms. Dartnall died a few days later
- Bill Dartnall took off his oxygen mask after learning of his wife’s death
- How to help people affected by Covid-19
A retiree with coronavirus died on the same day as his 63-year-old wife after she was refused treatment when he learned of her death.
Bill Dartnall, 90, took off his oxygen mask after learning of the death of his wife Mary, 81, who had also tested positive for the virus.
Mr Dartnall worked as a chimney sweep in Southampton for over 40 years and was also a noted beekeeper with his wife.
After Ms. Dartnall fell ill, she stopped responding and was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where she tested positive for Covid-19.
A few days later, her husband suffered a stroke and was admitted to the same hospital where he was found to have the virus.
The couple who lived in Millbrook were both treated for something called Covid-19 pneumonia.
Bill and Mary Dartnall at the hospital on March 17th before landing on the coronavirus ward
Bill and Mary Dartnall on their wedding day in November 1956. It was a devastating double tragedy for the couple’s two daughters, Rosemary and Ann
After initially improving, Ms. Dartnall deteriorated for the worse and died a few days after she was admitted.
When her husband was given the news, he refused any further oxygen and died five hours later.
It was a devastating double tragedy for the couple’s two daughters, Rosemary and Ann.
Rosemary said, “When he was told that Mom had died, he tried to pull the mask off his face and made it clear that he no longer wanted oxygen.
When Mr. Dartnall was given the news, he refused any further oxygen and died five hours later
Mr and Mrs Dartnell in their garden. According to the NHS England, patients have the right to refuse treatment
“Dad refused to wear the mask – we don’t know exactly why, but he didn’t want to continue.
“He continued to receive care and passed away peacefully in his sleep a few hours later.
“Dad probably wouldn’t have wanted to live without mum. They were very much a couple and it’s hard to imagine either of them without the other. ‘
According to the NHS England, patients have the right to refuse treatment.
The website states, “If you refuse treatment, your decision must be respected, even if it is believed that refusing treatment would result in your death.”
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