97-Year-Old Twins Die In Bitter Cold

BARRINGTON, RI — Two elderly women have died after an accident in their driveway that led to their spending Friday night in the cold.

According to Barrington Police Chief John LaCross, Martha Williams, 97, of East Providence, and her sister, Jean Haley, also 97, of Barrington, died at Rhode Island Hospital.

They were found on Saturday at about 8:11 a.m., after a neighbor called 911 for help. Rescue and police arrived to find Martha Williams lying face-down in the driveway near the rear of her parked vehicle. Her sister was found inside the garage.

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"Investigation has revealed that a younger sister, age 89, from Barrington, had accompanied Ms. Williams and Haley for dinner on Friday evening and all three returned back to the Opechee Drive residence around 8:30 p.m.," the chief said. "The Barrington sister then drove home that evening. At this time investigators believe that foul play was not involved and Ms. Williams may have fallen in the driveway walking to her car. Ms. Haley may have tripped on a rug on the floor of the garage as she attempted to enter her house to call for assistance."

LaCross said the cause of death is still pending, but "extreme cold temperatures that evening may have been a factor."

“On behalf of the men and women of the Barrington Police Department, our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to the Haley and William’s families during their tragic loss,” he added.

Photo of Jean Haley's home: AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott