97-Year-Old Twins Die Tragically Together [Video]

Martha Williams and Jean Haley entered the world together 97 years ago. The twins had just returned home after having dinner with their 89-year-old sister on Friday evening. The younger sister dropped them off but left before they entered the home where Haley resided. The twins were found outside the home in the frigid temperatures, which have been credited with their death. The sisters lived a long life, were loved, and after nearly a century, the 97-year-old twins died tragically together.

Police do not suspect foul play in the death of the sisters. Instead, they believe the women succumbed to hypothermia. Williams may have fallen while walking to her car and Haley possibly tripped in the garage while attempting to call for help. The next morning a neighbor found the women; Haley in the garage and Williams in the driveway. The twins were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital in nearby Providence and both were pronounced dead.

The sisters came into the world unified and died tragically together. The bond twins share is unlike any other sibling connection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the twin birth rate in the United States of America is 33.9 per 1,000 live births. Many outside of this small club are fascinated with the idea of life as a twin. It is like having a built-in bestie to share the many of the same milestones.

After 97 years, Haley and Williams made many memories together. Born at home on the kitchen table in 1919, the sisters were a surprise to their mother who had no idea she was carrying lifelong friends. The sisters remained inseparable for nearly a century through childhood, marriage, childbearing, and widowhood and even in death.

It is no surprise that the twins lived such a long life because people who have someone to share life with tend to live longer and healthier lives. According to scientists, beginning life alongside a twin provides general “health protective” benefits. According to David Sharrow and James Anderson:

Research has documented a ‘twin protection effect’ akin to a marriage protection effect where a socially close relationship contributes to better survival outcomes throughout most of life.

The sisters, born on the same day, were together almost 10 decades before dying on the same day. Their lives were a wonderful story of sisterhood. Haley’s son, John, was relieved after learning that his mom and aunt had both died. He said:

I just got this incredible feeling. Everything is going to be OK because they are still together.

Twins deal with several matters throughout life that only the two of them comprehend perfectly. They often finish each other sentences, know what the other is thinking, and recognize intent by a simple expression or look. This type of behavior can only develop by way of a powerful bond. Thy type Williams and Haley shared for 97 years.

Family and friends gathered over the weekend to share memories and express love for the twins. Although a strong sense of grief accompanied them, many felt it best that the lifelong friends died together. The 97-year-old twins died tragically together after enjoying dinner with their younger sister. On March 18, 2017, a memorial service for Jean Young Haley and Martha Young Williams takes place at 11 a.m. at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. From the womb to the grave, Haley and Williams remain together.

By Cherese Jackson (Virginia)

Sources:

Washington Post: Twins, 97, died just outside a house after they fell and lay in the cold for hours
Twin Pregnancy and Beyond: The Bond Between Twins
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Twin Statistics

Photo Credits:

Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Leo Prieto – Flickr License