Daisy Phillipson
A married couple have tragically died of cancer within 12 hours of each other just two days before Christmas.
The loved ones of Steve Hawkins, 58, and his wife Wendy, 52, are understandably devastated by the loss after they both passed away from different forms of the disease on Friday, 23 December.
They had been at the same hospital in Yankton, South Dakota, where family members were by their side.
According to a statement from Yankton County EMS where Steve worked, he had been diagnosed with cancer almost five years ago while Wendy faced a 'short battle'.
The couple leave behind three children – Brad, Mandi and Trenton, who are all in their 20s. In a GoFundMe setup to pay for funeral costs, Trenton said: "My parents both died to cancer on 12/23/22 within 12 hours of each other.
"This has been a very tragic experience and my family and I are trying to come up with the funds to pay for two funerals.
"They were wonderful parents and took very good care of their family and I am trying to take care of them. So every little bit helps, thank you for you support."
The statement from the local EMS, which was shared on social media, said: "With profound sadness we inform you that Yankton County EMS Administrator Steve Hawkins passed away on Friday, December 23rd, 2022 after battling cancer for nearly five years. He was 58.
"Steve was hired as our administrator in June, 2009. Before coming to Yankton, Steve was a Paramedic in Cody, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. He began his Paramedic career in San Diego, California.
"In another sad turn of events, Steve's wife, Wendy Hawkins, also passed away on the same day, Friday, December 23rd, 2022 at age 52 after a short battle with cancer.
"Wendy was a devoted wife and mother who stayed at home to raise their three children, Brad, Mandi and Trent, who are now in their 20's.
"Brad and Trent are still living at home, while Mandi and her fiancé live in Iowa."
The organisation went on to say that a memorial service will be held 'near spring time' although no specific date has been set.
In the meantime, it included the link to the GoFundMe page for people who wish to donate - you can do so here.
The fundraiser has far surpassed its goal of $10,000 (£8,315), having earned more than $18,000 (£14,960) at the time of writing.
The statement ends by saying: "Please keep Steve and Wendy's children in your thoughts and prayers."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677