2 western Ill. deaths blamed on heat

QUINCY — Authorities in western Illinois suspect extreme heat contributed to the deaths of two more people.

Adams County Coroner James Keller says a 90-year-old Quincy woman was found dead in her home last Saturday. Her name has not yet been released.

Authorities say there was no air conditioning or fans running in the home, and all of the windows were closed.

Keller says dehydration likely contributed to the death, compounded with other pre-existing medical conditions.

And in nearby Morgan County, investigators say the sheriff's deputies sent to check the well-being of 75-year-old Lois Wheeler found her body in her Chapin home last Friday. The coroner says Wheeler likely died two days earlier.

Investigators say temperatures inside both home were well above 110 degrees when the victims were found.