An elderly couple was found dead on the balcony of their home in Keratsini, Greece, in what relatives and neighbors describe as the tragic culmination of a year marked by profound grief. Their grandson discovered them early Saturday morning, lying side by side, after stopping by for his usual visit.

The couple had struggled emotionally since the death of their son, who died roughly a year ago in front of both them and his child. According to the family, the loss deeply affected the pair, who were already dealing with serious health issues.

A neighbor recalled receiving a call from the grandson, who found his grandparents motionless outside the home. The grandfather was lying on his back, and the grandmother was facedown, positioned toward the open kitchen door. “They were in a difficult state lately,” the neighbor said.

The grandson, who previously witnessed his father’s final moments, described the scene as deeply distressing. He had visited to bring them fresh bread and said nothing seemed unusual the previous day. “They were together since they were teenagers,” he added. “They stayed together to the end and died together.”

Emergency responders and police arrived at the home shortly after they were found. Neighbors reported that the grandfather had stepped outside to wash a basin when he collapsed. His wife, hearing the commotion, rushed out and appears to have suffered a cardiac event as well.

A preliminary medical report indicates both suffered myocardial ischemia. The grandfather collapsed first, likely from cardiac arrest. The grandmother appears to have died moments later, with minor marks on the grandfather’s arm believed to have come from her attempts to pull him toward safety.

Residents in the area spoke fondly of the couple, describing them as devoted to each other throughout their decades of life together.

Their funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.