A mother of two died in hospital six days after being attacked with a hammer by her partner, who subsequently took his own life at a nearby reservoir. Police believe the incident, which occurred at the couple's home in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, took place in front of their two children, aged 16 and 10.
Zoe Marie Dixon, 35, was fatally wounded in the midnight attack by Nathan Thomas, 39. The couple's children raised the alarm after Thomas fled the property. Thomas was found dead at Ponsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons approximately four hours later.
Dixon was taken to the University Hospital of Wales with serious injuries. Her family kept a bedside vigil, and at one point there were signs of recovery. However, she succumbed to her head injuries the following Monday, leaving her children orphaned. A GoFundMe page established to support relatives caring for the children has raised £1,430.
Family friends described the situation as a "dreadful scenario" and expressed sympathy for the youngsters who lost both parents. "They are part of a loving family who will do their best to bring them up but it's going to be hard for them at those ages," one friend commented.
It is understood that Dixon and Thomas, who had been together since their teenage years, were in the process of separating at the time of the attack. The case is being investigated by the Glamorgan Coroner, who is expected to open inquests this week. South Wales Police confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths, treating the case as a domestic incident.