A MARRIED couple who died within weeks of each other in similarly tragic circumstances are to have a joint funeral.

Michelle Maclean, 46, was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in her flat in Bishophill on February 8. On Monday, just over two weeks later, her husband Adrian, 48, was found to have died in his home in Holgate.

Although the couple were living separately, Mr Maclean’s twin brother, Kevin said Adrian had struggled to continue without his wife of 24 years, saying he took her death extremely badly.

“I think he died of a broken heart,” he said.

Tributes have been paid to the couple, who leave a daughter, Jade, 24, and two grandchildren, Lacey, two and Zac, six months.

Michelle’s mother Jenny Howard, 71, described her daughter as a caring woman with a “heart of gold” and Adrian as someone who went out of his way to help others.

She said: “It’s just terrible, it’s a disaster. I don’t think he could live without her – they couldn’t live together and they couldn’t live without each other.

“Adrian was lovely, he was like a son to me. I can’t get over it, I’m heartbroken.

“I’m going to miss my daughter’s phone calls. She rang me most days as we were close. All the family was close and it has just been torn apart.”

Mrs Maclean attended Burnholme School and had previously worked as a waitress.

She met and married former Tadcaster Grammar School pupil Mr Maclean soon after he left the Army, serving in the Royal Signals alongside his brother.

Kevin Maclean said his brother had recently moved into his home in Cecelia Place and said that while he had struggled with drug misuse he had worked with York Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (YACRO) to completely “turn his life around”.

He said: “I can’t imagine a day without him. They were a brilliant couple. I think when he lost her, he just gave up.”

Mrs Howard, who thanked Father Tim Jones at St Lawrence’s church and funeral directors Fielders for their support, said a large funeral was planned on Tuesday at the church in Lawrence Street at 10.45am, then York Crematorium at 11.40am.

A recent inquest into Mrs Maclean’s death was adjourned to allow further medical reports to be completed. Police said a report had been prepared to allow an inquest into Mr Maclean’s death.