PICS + VIDEO:

PICS + VIDEO:
New Watch It! (Or Not) Slideshow

°

Homepage / Orlando News
Text Size

Woman Suffocates Under Piles Of Clutter In Home

POSTED: Saturday, January 7, 2006
UPDATED: 5:59 am EST January 9, 2006

A woman in Shelton, Wash., who was reported missing by her husband, was found dead under piles of clutter in their home, where she suffocated to death, according to police.

  • Shelton Police Chief Terry Davenport said the home was so cluttered that police officers' heads touched the ceiling as they climbed over the clutter.

    Authorities found the body of 62-year-old Marie Rose buried under clothes after 10 hours of searching. She reportedly suffered from a condition known as hoarding.


    IMAGES: More strange stories, images in 2006
    IMAGES: Strangest Of 2005
    MOST POPULAR: Elmo Book Asks 'Who Wants To Die?'

    Rose's husband believes she fell while looking for the phone in the house this week and suffocated. There were so many piles of items that the man did not realize she was dead in the home.

    Shelton Police Chief Terry Davenport said the home was so cluttered that police officers' heads touched the ceiling as they climbed over the clutter.

    And the home was so cluttered that police didn't see the woman until their second search of the home.

    "This is without a doubt the most cluttered residence I've ever been to," Davenport told KIRO-TV.

    It was estimated that several tons of debris remained piled up inside the house.

    Authorities said Rose collected items for 15 years -- and because it went undetected -- it ultimately cost her life.

    Hoarding is a symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder, according to the report.

    Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

    Sponsored Links

    Links We Like
    Sponsored Content
    Boost your home value and make buyers bite with these bathroom updates. More

    Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

    The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

    Snacking can be a healthy part of your diet, as long as you choose the right snacks. Get tips for eating between meals. More

    Most Popular