A family in Warwickshire is grieving two heartbreaking losses after a woman died only days before her terminally ill husband — a tragedy doctors linked to “broken heart syndrome.”

Sharon Dann, 54, and her husband Wayne, 57, shared nearly a decade of marriage and often called each other soulmates. Wayne had battled cancer for years, and by early 2024, doctors confirmed the disease had spread. When his condition worsened in March, he was rushed to the hospital, and Sharon refused to leave his side.

According to her daughter, Ellie Steward, Sharon barely slept or ate as she kept vigil in the hospital. “She couldn’t imagine life without him,” Ellie said.

Three days before Wayne died, Sharon called Ellie struggling to breathe. At the hospital, doctors told their family that Sharon had suffered a cardiac event brought on by extreme emotional stress — a condition known as broken heart syndrome, or stress cardiomyopathy. She was placed in a medically induced coma and died on April 4. Wayne died three days later.

Broken heart syndrome is triggered by intense stress, such as grief or shock, and can weaken the heart’s ability to pump. Though often temporary, it can be fatal.

Ellie describes her mother as deeply caring and her stepfather as a joyful, funny man who “always knew how to make people smile.” She hopes sharing their story encourages others facing grief to seek support, rest, and care.

“They were truly each other’s person,” she said. “My advice is simple — be gentle with yourself and don’t ignore the weight of emotional stress.”