A father-of-two returned home to a heartbreaking discovery as he found his 31-year-old wife had passed away in her sleep without any warning. Dale Lockwood, 33, arrived home on October 10, 2023, to find his wife Ruby, a police detective for West Yorkshire Police, lifeless in their bed. Despite Dale’s frantic attempts to revive her, it was to no avail. The cause of Ruby’s sudden death was initially inconclusive after a post-mortem examination, leaving the family with no closure as they had to proceed with Ruby’s funeral and cremation without knowing the exact reason for her passing.
After further testing, Dale was informed by the cardiogenetic team at Leeds General Infirmary on August 6 that Ruby had a rare genetic heart condition called sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (Sads). This condition, which causes sudden cardiac arrest, affects around 500 people in the UK annually. Dale is now faced with the possibility that his children, four-year-old Arthur and one-year-old Winifred, could also carry the gene for this heart condition.
Although trained in speaking to children about bereavement, Dale shared that breaking the news to his son, Arthur, about his mother’s passing was the most challenging task he has ever faced. Determined to raise awareness of Sads and advocate for routine testing and screenings, Dale has raised over £17,000 for the British Heart Foundation by participating in various fundraising activities, including completing the AJ Bell Great North Run in Newcastle – a half marathon Ruby herself had run in 2015.
Describing Ruby as a vibrant and loving individual, Dale highlighted her strong personality and dedication to her roles as a mother, wife, and detective. On the day of her passing, Dale recounted their morning routine before his return home to the devastating discovery of her lifeless body in bed. The family now waits for genetic testing results to determine if Ruby’s condition is hereditary, allowing them to assess the risk for their children.
Dale shared the emotional journey of coping with Ruby’s unexpected death and the subsequent search for answers amidst the uncertainties surrounding her passing. By advocating for awareness of Sads and raising funds for the BHF, Dale honours Ruby’s memory by helping others potentially affected by similar heart conditions.