An elderly couple found dead inside their Cooloongup home have been remembered as “loving people” who would “do anything for anyone”.
Ernest, 70, and Linda, 66, Gielink moved from South Africa to Perth more than two decades ago, where they put down roots at their forever home in Sunningdale Circle.
Neighbours said the Gielink’s eldest daughter visited their home with her husband and young children at about 6.45pm on Sunday after not hearing from them all weekend.
After knocking on the front door for several minutes and making multiple unanswered calls, they called triple-0.
Police officers rushed to the scene, making the grim discovery just after 7pm.
Lights and sirens soon filled Sunningdale Circle, with police cordoning off the street while they investigated the deaths.
While police are yet to confirm how the couple died, they reassured the community that there was no ongoing threat.
“At this stage there is not believed to be any third-party involvement, or danger to the community,” a police spokesman said.
“A large police presence including detectives and forensic officers will remain at the scene.
“WA Police will continue to provide support and assistance to the family, friends and first- responders affected by this tragic incident.”
A police chaplain was at the scene on Monday briefly speaking to officers who were investigating the tragic deaths.
It is believed Mrs Gielink had just retired from her job as a teacher on Friday, while Mr Gielink was forced into early retirement from his job as a boilermaker after suffering an horrific workplace injury.
READ WHAT THE NEIGHBOUR’S HAD TO SAY IN THE WEST AUSTRALIAN’S FULL SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE STORY
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