A woman was left devastated after her husband died by suicide following their honeymoon.
In September of last year, Isabel and Christopher Coles, residing in North Carolina, US, got married as they prepared for Christopher’s deployment, who was serving in the army, the following month.
They had a courthouse wedding with plans for a larger celebration this month. Unfortunately, the second event never took place as Christopher ended his life after their honeymoon.
Isabel was heartbroken by the incident and mentioned there were ‘no signs’ indicating her husband was in distress before his tragic death.
After returning from their honeymoon, Christopher spent the night entering guest information for their upcoming ceremony into their wedding website. The next day, Isabel noticed something seemed ‘a little weird’.
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.”
She ran upstairs to get her shoes and realized her husband had taken a weapon. The following morning, Christopher’s father discovered his body.
Isabel was ‘shocked’ and ‘devastated,’ expressing disbelief as Christopher was ‘very driven and motivated,’ leaving her to ponder if she had overlooked any signs.
In the months following Christopher’s sudden death, Isabel received flowers from him on Valentine’s Day, ordered before his passing.
Though initially ‘freaked out’ by the delivery, the florist informed her that Christopher had arranged the order in advance.
The flowers were meant to arrive on that date because he anticipated being deployed during their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple.
Isabel shared, “They said he ordered the flowers in September because he knew he would be deployed and travelling back around Valentine’s day.”
The mother of one also aims to participate in the Chicago Marathon in October 2025 in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Discussing Christopher’s death, Isabel stated, “Everyone wants a reason why. 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.”
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, support is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.