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A Quebec coroner is investigating the deaths of two elderly people after paramedics pulled them out of a clutter-filled home Sunday night. A third person taken from the house is in hospital.
Police in the Montreal suburb of Longueuil, Que. said emergency technicians were called to attend to a 72-year-old man who had suffered a stroke.
Police said workers had trouble reaching the man, because they had to wade through piles of garbage, furniture and other items piled as high as the ceiling.
An 82-year-old woman was also found in the house suffering from hypothermia.
Ambulance technicians had to call firefighters and police to help clear a path to bring the victims out.
The stroke victim and the 82-year-old woman were transported to Pierre-Boucher hospital. The 72-year-old man died shortly after his arrival by ambulance, and the woman died early Monday morning of pneumonia.
The 66-year-old daughter of the woman, who also lives at the residence, was transported separately to hospital, where she remained on Monday.
Police handed over the investigation to a coroner, who will decide whether autopsies will be performed.
Police said they would not divulge the identities of the victims until all family members had been notified.
Stuff piled everywhere
Stacks of plastic bins, pet crates, Christmas decorations, garbage bags crammed with empty tin cans and plastic bottles never set out for recycling filled a covered driveway and a visible sunroom in the house on Monday.
"The most significant concerns that come from hoarding are when the hoarded belongings start to cause a threat to safety," said clinical psychologist Adam Radomsky.
According to neighbours, the two seniors suffered from mental health problems.
"These people have been isolated for a long time," said friend and neighbor Pat Harris.
"It's very troubling," he said. "It's very disturbing to have watched these people spiral down into this situation over the years. It has been very unpleasant."
On Sunday night, the younger woman called Harris after the man living in the house suffered a stroke. Before rushing over, Harris counselled her to call 911.
"You can barely get into the front door," said Harris. "There is a lot, a lot, a lot of stuff all through the house, just piled up everywhere."
Harris said the elderly man was lying unconscious half in a room and half in the hallway.
He said the heat was either turned off, or the heaters were blocked by the stacks of possessions.
Police said the low temperature likely contributed to the woman's death.
"Investigators will visit the house, maybe tomorrow …," said Martin Simard of Longueuil police. "But I can confirm it was very cold inside."
Police returned Monday morning to rescue three dogs and a cat. Police said the daughter is not being accused of any wrongdoing for the time being.