Milford Couple Found Dead in Home

Authorities believe fumes from a gasoline electric generator caused the deaths of an elderly New Jersey
couple discovered hours before electricity was restored to their rural home.

A utility worker and a relative found the bodies of 84-year-old Robert Stephens and his 79-year-old wife, Susanna Stephens, on Thursday evening in Milford.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns III says it appears to be a tragic accident. Family members told police the two were vibrant and healthy, and had been in touch with relatives throughout the storm.  Kearns says autopsies are pending, but preliminary findings indicate the couple succumbed to fumes likely from a generator found in their garage.

The family's cat and dog were removed from the home alive. Six deaths in New Jersey have been linked to the October storm.