62-year-old freezes to death inside home after power got shut off, Michigan family says

A family in Michigan is grieving after they say their relative froze to death in his own home.

On Saturday, the Jaros family went to the Freeland home of Arnoul Jaros, 62, to invite him over for dinner, WJRT reported.

“He didn’t answer the door, which is not unusual,” Karin Jaros, Arnoul’s sister-in-law, told WNEM. “They didn’t see any tracks in the driveway. They were preparing to leave and back out and they checked the mail and it was stuffed full.”

The family called police, who went into the home and found Arnoul Jaros emaciated and frozen to death, Michigan Live reported. The thermostat read 26 degrees — colder inside the house than outside.

Police confirmed Monday that Arnoul Jaros had died of accidental hypothermia, according to the outlet.

“Everything was frozen in the house. There were mugs of beverages that were frozen solid,” Karin Jaros told WNEM, adding that it seemed Arnoul Jaros was eating canned tuna, soup and lunch meat before his death, according to Michigan Live.

The family soon learned that Consumers Energy shut off Arnoul Jaros’ gas in May and his electricity in July because bills had not been paid, WJRT reported. In a statement, the company said the balance was paid in July but they never received a request to restore service or payment for restoration fees.

“The instructions to restore service appear on all customer shut-off notices,” the statement said, according to WJRT. “We are currently working with local law enforcement officials to understand more about the situation and are reviewing this person’s account records. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to this person’s friends and loved ones.”

Karin Jaros said the family had no idea Arnoul Jaros was living in those conditions, WNEM reported. She told the outlet they’re left wondering why Arnoul Jaros didn’t take the necessary steps to have his utilities turned back on.

Police say there are no signs of foul play and the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office will determine if further investigation is required, WNEM reported.