'Devoted' Dad Found Dead in His Home, Weeks After Wife Died from Cancer: 'He Was Always Friendly, Generous, Neighborly' By Charlotte Phillipp

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was found dead in his home — just weeks after his wife died from cancer.

Emergency personnel were first dispatched to the man’s home in Totton — located in the South of England — at around 1:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, Oct. 16, after receiving a report about someone who had been “seriously assaulted,” according to police in Hampshire.

“Despite the best efforts of emergency services, 51-year-old Nigel Key was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene,” police said in a statement, identifying the man.

Soon after Key was pronounced dead, police said a 31-year-old man, also from Totton, was arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

The man, whose identity has not yet been made public, is being detained under the country’s Mental Health Act, following an assessment by medical professionals in custody.

“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.

In a statement shared with police, Key’s family remembered the beloved dad and grandfather.

“Nigel was a devoted family man loved by family and friends,” the statement read. “He was always friendly, generous, neighborly and helpful to everyone. A skilled engineer respected by his peers. He will always be remembered.”

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According to the Daily Mail, Key had just announced the death of his wife on social media a week prior to his own death. The outlet said her death 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 Daily Mail. “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. For me, being my wife says everything that needs to be said,” he continued. “She was an amazing wife, mum and nan.”

Key and his late wife ran a construction consultancy firm together, per the Daily Mail.