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David Hunter, the British pensioner whose case sparked debate in Cyprus and the UK over mercy killing and end-of-life decisions, has died at the age of 78.
His daughter, Lesley Cawthorne, confirmed that Hunter died last Wednesday while being treated at a hospital in Cyprus, according to reports in the British press.
Hunter became the focus of international attention following the death of his wife, Janice, at their home in Tremithousa, Paphos district, in December 2021.
During court proceedings, Hunter admitted causing the death of his wife, who was suffering from terminal blood cancer. He told the court he could no longer bear to watch her suffer and said she had repeatedly begged him for weeks to end her life.
The case drew widespread public interest because of the circumstances surrounding Janice's death and the questions it raised about assisted dying.
In 2023, a Cyprus court found Hunter guilty of manslaughter, accepting that he had killed his wife but acquitting him of the more serious charge of premeditated murder. He was sentenced to two years in prison.
Hunter served part of his sentence before being released later that year.
According to his family, his health had deteriorated in recent years. His daughter said he was recently admitted to the hospital with a urinary tract infection, where he later died.
Hunter and his wife had been married for 52 years. After retirement, the couple moved from Britain to Cyprus in 2002 to enjoy a quieter life in the sun.
Following his release from prison, Hunter chose to remain on the island. Family members said he wanted to stay close to his wife's grave, a decision that reflected the deep bond the couple shared despite the tragic circumstances that ultimately brought their story to public attention.
The case remains one of the most closely watched criminal trials in recent years, prompting discussion both in Cyprus and abroad about compassion, terminal illness, and the difficult choices families can face at the end of life.
