Police have confirmed that a 67-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman both died in Friday’s cliff plunge at The Needles, with 2 dogs also dying in the incident.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has today (Monday) released further details about the tragic incident, which occurred just before 19:20 on 6th June, but have stopped short of saying whether the double fatality is being treated as a murder-suicide.
It is now known that it was a grey Ford Mondeo that plunged 300ft over the edge of the cliff overlooking Alum Bay and onto the rocks below. The driver and a passenger were inside, a 67-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman – both thought to be from Cowes.
In a further heartbreaking development, it has been revealed that 2 Dachshund dogs were also in the Mondeo and died in the incident.
It is said that although formal identification procedures are ongoing, next of kin have been notified.
A Post-Mortem examination will take place tomorrow.
It is known that the male victim was hauled from the water and was given CPR by an RNLI crew member and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter paramedic. Their efforts were in vain.
The female victim is understood to have been located inside the car.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is continuing its investigation into the circumstances of the deaths, which has led detectives to an address on Arctic Road in Cowes.
A truly shocking incident, whatever the cause, is very sad. My thoughts are with everyone concerned, including all those in the car, their family, and friends. This must have a devastating effect on the rescue services.
RIP.
That is so very sad. The poor people that had to recover them, the dogs too! X
Very sad news, such a tragic way to go.
You never know, the driver might have been one of your speeders?
What a sad thing to know. Whatever the reason for the people and the dogs death , I hope they rest in peace