In a tragic incident in Spartanburg, South Carolina, an elderly couple was discovered deceased in their home over the weekend. According to authorities, the cause of their death appears to be linked to a malfunctioning heater, which reached a temperature surpassing 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The series of events unfolded when concerned family members raised an alarm after not hearing from their parents since last Wednesday. Worried about their well-being, they contacted the local police to perform a welfare check at their residence on Woodview Avenue, as reported by The Guardian.

Upon arrival, the police encountered locked doors, making it difficult to gain access to the premises. However, they were able to enter via an unsecured bedroom window. The officers were immediately struck by the overpowering heat radiating from within.

Inside the bedroom, the lifeless bodies of the elderly couple were found. The man was discovered unclothed and lying on the bed face-up, while the woman was slouched in a chair, fully clothed. Authorities stated that there were no apparent signs of struggle, foul play, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Furthermore, carbon dioxide levels in the house were measured and did not show alarming readings.

Medical responders used a handheld device to measure the couple's body temperature, which only registered up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Shockingly, their temperatures far surpassed this limit. Additionally, fire officials measured the internal temperature of the house to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, even though it had been opened for ventilation for 20 minutes amidst the cold weather.

Further investigation led authorities to the basement, where the heating system and hot water heater were situated. Firefighters described the heater as being so scorching that it appeared as though the basement was engulfed in flames. Subsequent temperature measurements confirmed that the heater had reached a staggering temperature of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The family members had visited the couple's home on Wednesday to assist with their heating system. Apparently, both the house's main heater and hot water heater were not functioning properly, causing the home to become excessively cold. The family members noticed that the pilot light of the hot water heater had gone out and attempted to rectify the issue. After successfully reigniting the pilot light, they left the residence.

Authorities stated that the couple had various health concerns, making mobility challenging for them. The man had also recently experienced a fall, while the woman had undergone hip surgery. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic exams, including tests for carbon monoxide levels, scheduled to provide further insights into the case.

As the community mourns the loss of Ms. Littlejohn and Mr. Fowler, their grieving families have asked for support and prayers. Authorities are urging everyone to exercise caution and reinforce the importance of regular maintenance and checks on heating systems, especially during the winter months.