Tragedy After Honeymoon: Bride Shares Heartbreaking Story of Husband’s Sudden Death

A North Carolina bride has been left heartbroken after her husband tragically took his own life just one day after their honeymoon, leaving behind a final gift that arrived months later.

Isabel Coles, 32, from Southern Pines, married 28-year-old Christopher Coles in September 2024. The couple met on a dating app and were inseparable from the start. Following their courthouse wedding, they celebrated with a music-filled honeymoon at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival in New Jersey — a perfect trip for the music-loving pair.

But Isabel said things changed as soon as they returned home. Christopher began behaving unusually and kept his thoughts to himself. The next morning, he left with a handgun despite Isabel’s desperate attempts to stop him. He was later found dead in a nearby forest.

An army veteran, Christopher showed no signs of distress. In a shocking moment months later, Isabel received Valentine’s Day flowers from him — pre-ordered before his death.

Christopher had been planning a larger celebration in May and had even proposed after running a marathon. Isabel, now raising awareness about mental health and planning to run the Chicago Marathon in his honor, says she was blindsided. “He was successful, loving — there were no clear signs.”

Despite criticism online, Isabel continues to speak out. “He was fighting silent battles. I know we were happy. That can’t be taken from me.”