Michigan officials want answers after a 69-year-old veteran
died of hypothermia in his home:
John Skelley, 69, was found dead Feb. 1 in a home on West Pearl Street. Hazel Park police say Skelley died of hypothermia and other health issues. According to Consumers Energy, service was disconnected at the home on the afternoon of Jan. 19 and a tag with assistance and reconnection information was placed on the door.
Utility companies are prohibited from shutting off heat in homes that have residents aged 65 and older from Nov. 1 to March 31, according to Michigan Public Service Commission spokeswoman Judy Palnau. Consumers Energy does have a shutoff protection program for people 65 and older.
Officers discovered the veteran inside the home:
Hazel Park Police Chief Martin Barner said 69-year-old John Skelley was discovered unresponsive, huddled under blankets in front of a space heater at around 8 a.m. on Feb. 1.
Gas at the home, on West Pearl Street, was cut by the utility on Jan. 19.
Officials with MPSC say the service was in another person's name and they
did not know Skelley was a roommate:
"It's very unfortunate," Dodd said. "We had no idea that anyone else was living with him. ... We need our customers to let us know if they're having problems, the sooner the better. We can't help you if we don't know you need help."
A local veterans group has stepped up to pay for John Skelley's funeral:
Hangin' with the Heroes, a metro Detroit-based organization that helps veterans, has pooled resources and raised money to cover Skelley's funeral.
Founder Ron Gilmour said Skelley will receive a full military burial. Gilmour said he has been in touch with Skelley's family, including two of his children.
Consumers energy has been ordered to file a report on the tragedy by March 31.