Elderly Couple Dies After Furnace Malfunctions: Police

MAYWOOD, IL — An elderly couple died Sunday after their furnace malfunctioned, Maywood police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's office said. The couple was identified as Leevell and Ora Robinson.

Maywood police said the couple's son reported finding them unresponsive around 2 p.m. Sunday, according to NBC Chicago. Police said the son went to their home to check on them and found the home abnormally hot due to a malfunctioning furnace.

Police said the furnace had previously been serviced after a similar malfunction.

Family members told the Chicago Tribune the couple had been married just shy of 57 years. They had three children, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leevell, 80, was pronounced dead at the scene just before 2:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the medical examiner. Ora, 78, was pronounced dead around 6:50 p.m.

According to the medical examiner's office, the couple died of heat exposure. Their deaths have been ruled accidental.