Edward Downes after his health declined following a hip replacement. Lady Downes was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that metastasised to her liver, and given only weeks to live. Lady Downes wrote a letter to family explaining that she had decided against treatment and that: Sir Edward, aged 85, and Lady Downes, aged 74, ended their lives by assisted suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Zürich, Switzerland, on 10 July 2009. Although Joan did not want the children present, Dignitas encouraged it and "Ted and Joanie" were reported to be pleased when the time came. Their children issued a statement speaking of
Danny Downes Pettis under the tutelage of Duke Roufus. Downes handed David Kless his first professional loss at a Gladiators Cage Fighting event via unanimous decision. Downes picked up the biggest win of his career at KOTC Turbulence 2, defeating Bruce Johnson via first round TKO. Downes made his WEC debut against Chris Horodecki, replacing an injured Ed Ratcliff with only a few days notice on June 20, 2010 at WEC 49. WEC commissioner Reed Harris confirmed the addition of Downes to the card on The Daily Line, adding that the WEC had had their eye on Downes for a while. He