Woman lay dead in bed for months despite visits

Comments 0 | Recommend 0

December 16, 2009 9:28 AM

The Associated Press

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Authorities are investigating why the body of an 88-year-old woman lay in her bed for up to eight months even though caretakers visited the house daily.

Sheriff's deputies say the corpse of Blanche Matilda Roth was found in her home Tuesday after a call to 911. The house is in Wilmington on the Atlantic coast.

New Hanover County Deputy Charles Smith said Roth likely died in May.

Smith would not specify if the daily caretakers were family members but said they were not nurses.

Failure to report a death is a felony in North Carolina.

Smith said the residence was very well kept. He said police hadn't received any calls requesting welfare checks on Roth.

Officials are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

See archived 'Latest News' stories »

Reader Comments

From the editor: Many of you have expressed concerns about some of the harsh anonymous comments from readers. To remedy that, we are introducing new features. You can create your own blog, publish your news and share your photos with the community. Once you fill out a simple form and leave a verifiable e-mail address, you can set up your profile page. It will display all of your contributions and allow you to track issues and easily connect with others.

We want our site to be a place where people discuss and debate ideas that foster stronger communities. We built this for you. Please take care of it. Tolerate broad thinking, but take action against obscene or hateful material. Make it a credible and safe place worth preserving and sharing.

Oldest First | Newest First