A married couple who were found dead in a murder-suicide at their North Carolina home suffered the devastating loss of their children in separate tragedies within the space of a year.
Tracey Parker Willetts is believed to have shot her husband, retired US Army veteran Stephen Larnell Willetts, at their house in Wilmington early Thursday morning — the day after their 40th wedding anniversary.
The couple was left crushed by the deaths of their two sons, Zack and Colby, within a year of each other between 2013 and 2014, according to friends and neighbors.
Zack followed his father into the military, serving in the Army National Guard, and was deployed to Afghanistan, according to a tribute page.
A talented athlete, he played high school football as well as baseball and lacrosse before attending East Carolina University and Pitt County Community College.
He died on Feb. 2, 2013, at age 23. His cause of death wasn’t immediately clear.
Colby died on March 14, 2014, at 21 following a lifelong fight with muscular dystrophy, “with his parents holding him for the last time,” according to his obituary.
“Colby endured a lifetime of disability and discomfort but never once complained or questioned why his condition existed,” the obituary continued.
Tracey frequently shared pictures of her children on social media.
“I can’t begin to imagine how much that hurt and what they went through,” Tracey’s second cousin, Fuller Royal, wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post featuring a photograph of the family.
“I pray they are reunited with their boys and that everyone is whole, safe, and at peace,” he added.
Authorities were called to the couple’s home after a smartwatch worn by one of them detected a fall and automatically called 911, according to the police.
An investigation into the Willetts’ deaths remains ongoing.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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