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Elderly couple’s death likely accidental

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 6:25 AM Monday, February 1, 2010

FRANKLIN TWP.— An elderly couple was found dead outside their Franklin Twp. home Saturday, Jan. 30, apparently after the husband went to the aid of his wife who had fallen on the back deck, according to Warren County sheriff’s deputies.

The deceased have been identified as Melvin and Dorothy Rudd, who are in their 70s.

They were found at about 2 p.m. in the 3600 block of McLean Road. They were not wearing coats or clothing appropriate for the frigid temperatures, said sheriff’s office Sgt. Tony Workman.

“It looks like they didn’t anticipate being outside for any period of time,” he said.

Both had health issues that included Alzheimer’s symptoms, Workman said. Investigators believe Dorothy wandered outside and fell down a set of stairs. Melvin went out to help her and may have been stricken by illness or fallen himself, he said.

“There is no sign of foul play at all,” Workman said. “It is just a very sad situation.”

The Rudds were transported to the Montgomery County Morgue where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Warren County Coroner’s Investigator Doyle Burke said exactly what happened is all speculation at this point, there is no indication of criminal activity.

Because of the temperature, Burke said it is difficult to determine how long the couple had been outside.

“Bodies freeze quickly in temperatures like this,” he said.

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