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August 3, 2006

Doctor: Wife may have died helping stricken husband

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- It could be weeks before the state medical examiner determines what caused the death of an elderly Fall River couple found in their Ray Street home Tuesday, but an autopsy found no evidence of foul play, according to Bristol County District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr.'s office.

“Both individuals had health issues which may have contributed to their deaths. A final determination of the cause of death is still pending toxicology,” the Bristol County District Attorney’s office said in a statement.

The district attorney’s statement does note that a broken sports trophy was found behind a door in the home at 139 Ray St., “with what could be blood and hair on it.” Crime lab chemists are examining the trophy.

A medical examiner theorizes that Michael Mone likely died first and Victoria Mone, “in an attempt to assist Mr. Mone, strained herself and caused her death. There is no evidence of foul play,” according to the district attorney’s statement.

Michael Mone was on several medications, some for diabetes.

-- Journal staff writer Michael P. McKinney

The bodies of Michael and Victoria Mone, of 139 Ray St., were found when a police officer entered the home on Tuesday.

“There were no apparent signs of a struggle or other violence in the house, nor were there any apparent signs of violence to victims’ bodies,” the district attorney said.

A medical examiner, after doing an autopsy Wednesday, reported that he did not find signs of violence on either body. The autopsy found that Michael Mone “had extensive heart and lung disease."

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:34 PM | Permalink

August 3, 2006

Doctor: Wife may have died helping stricken husband

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