Mummified body at home; TV still playing

Mummified body at home; TV still playing

Sunday, February 18, 2007
By The Associated Press

HAMPTON BAYS, N.Y. -- The partially mummified body of a man dead for more than a year has been found in a chair in front of his television, which was still on, authorities said.

Vincenzo Ricardo, 70, apparently died of natural causes, said Dr. Stuart Dawson, Suffolk County's deputy chief medical examiner.

Police found Mr. Ricardo's body last week when they investigated a report of burst pipes.

The home's dry air had preserved his features, morgue assistant Jeff Bacchus said.

Mr. Ricardo's wife died years ago, and he lived alone, Dr. Dawson said.Neighbors said they had thought Mr. Ricardo was in a hospital or nursing home.

Unanswered question: Why did the electic company not cut off his service for non-payment of bills?