Police in the South of England have opened a murder investigation after a man was found dead in his home just weeks after his wife passed away from cancer.
Emergency responders were called to a home in Totton at around 1:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, Oct. 16, after reports that someone had been “seriously assaulted,” according to Hampshire police.
“Despite the best efforts of emergency services, 51-year-old Nigel Key was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene,” police said in a statement.
Authorities confirmed that a 31-year-old man from Totton was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was later taken to a hospital for medical treatment and is being detained under the Mental Health Act following an assessment by medical professionals.
“Our investigation is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with any concerns or information to speak to one of our uniformed Neighborhood Policing Team patrols in the area,” police said.
Key’s family shared a heartfelt tribute in a statement through law enforcement, remembering him as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
“Nigel was a devoted family man loved by family and friends,” they said. “He was always friendly, generous, neighborly, and helpful to everyone. A skilled engineer respected by his peers. He will always be remembered.”
According to the Daily Mail, Key had recently shared the devastating news of his wife’s death on social media. Her passing, the outlet reported, was unexpected.
“Despite a valiant battle with intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy, no one was expecting it to take her so soon,” Key wrote at the time, per the outlet. “She was admitted to hospital in the early hours with breathing difficulties and passed mid-morning.”
“I would love to tell you all individually so I could share your memories of her, but it is just not possible,” he continued. “For me, being my wife says everything that needs to be said. She was an amazing wife, mum, and nan.”
The couple reportedly ran a construction consultancy firm together, according to the Daily Mail.
