Sudden Death of Couple Leaves Everyone Shocked. Here's Why?

Nagpur, January 13, 2025: A Catholic couple’s tragic decision to end their lives after celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary has left the local community in Nagpur deeply shocked and grieving. Jeril Damson Oscar Moncriff, 57, was found hanged in the kitchen, while his wife, Anne, 46, was discovered lifeless on a bed in the living room of their residence on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Both were found clothed in their wedding garments.

According to police reports, financial difficulties may have driven the couple to take this drastic step. Authorities revealed that before committing suicide, the couple recorded a video on their mobile phone explaining their actions. They shared the video on social media and also sent it to their relatives.

Jeril, who had worked as a chef in luxury hotels, lost his job during the Covid-19 pandemic. Anne was a homemaker. The couple had no children. Preliminary investigations indicate that Jeril allowed his wife to end her life first by hanging herself. After her death, he gently removed her body from the rope, covered her with a cloth, placed flowers on her, and then hanged himself using a scarf.

The Catholic community in Nagpur, particularly members of the Syro-Malabar Church of St. Jude, is deeply saddened by the tragedy. Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr. Jose Kurian, pastor of St. Jude’s, emphasized that “Life is a gift from God, and no one has the right to take it away. The Church always upholds and defends the dignity of life. Every case of suicide is deeply unfortunate.”

Fr. Kurian further noted that while the Church views suicide as “gravely contrary to right self-love” and a breach of solidarity with family and society, it refrains from condemning those who take their own lives.

“The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us not to despair of the eternal salvation of those who have given themselves to death. God can prepare for such people, the occasion of a salutary repentance,” Fr. Kurian said.

In light of this heartbreaking event, Fr. Kurian highlighted the Church’s mission during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, emphasizing its call to support individuals in distress. He proposed organizing specific meetings and professional mental health and spiritual support to assist those facing personal challenges.

“Setting up teams of properly trained individuals to address mental health issues would be a great sign of hope for our communities,” he said.

This tragedy has sparked widespread discussions about the urgent need for mental health awareness and financial support systems within communities, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.

By Catholic Connect Reporter