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MIDVALE — An elderly couple was found dead in their home Friday night from apparent exposure.
Lt. Justin Hoyal of the Unified Police Department said police received a call on Friday about 6:30 p.m. to 985 E. 7240 South after family members could not contact the couple for a few weeks.
When police responded, they found Howard Durrant, 79, and Sharell Sund, 87, dead, Hoyal said.
Hoyal also said that there were no signs of trauma and no indication of foul play. After they were examined, it appeared that they both died of causes related to exposure to the cold.
At the time the couple was found, there was no power in the home.
In response to a call asking why the couple’s power was out, Rocky Mountain Power said it does not discuss personal accounts.
Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services spokesman Ken Venables encouraged residents to look out for neighbors and family members.
"These things are so sad because they are so preventable," he said. "Check on your elderly neighbors. Knock on their door, give them a telephone call, and look after them, especially in the winter months."
"Obviously as we age, immune systems become weaker. The fact of the matter is the winter months are much harder on older adults than on the rest of us," Venables added.
An approaching front was expected to turn the weather colder this week, with temperatures in the teens overnight.
Contributing: Mary Richards
