Authorities investigating death after firefighters discover woman and child during welfare check
A woman was found dead inside a Rancho Cordova apartment Wednesday afternoon after firefighters responded to a welfare check at a local apartment complex, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
The incident was reported at approximately 3:17 p.m. at the El Mercado Apartments, located in the 10400 block of El Mercado Drive, just north of International Drive and Mather Field Road.
According to Metro Fire, the apartment complex manager requested assistance after concerns were raised about the well-being of the apartment’s occupants. Firefighters entered the residence and discovered an adult woman who was unconscious and unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 5-year-old child was also found inside the apartment. As a precaution, emergency medical personnel transported the child to a local hospital for evaluation.
The Rancho Cordova Police Department is leading the investigation into the woman’s death, with assistance from Metro Fire personnel.
Early reports indicated investigators were examining whether natural gas from a stove that was found on in the unit played a role in the incident. However, as of Wednesday evening, authorities had not confirmed a cause of death or released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the case.
Officials also had not confirmed the relationship between the deceased woman and the child. Neighbors in the complex shared that a woman in her 20’s lived at the location with her young child.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
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