MOORESVILLE, Ind. (WTHR) — A Mooresville couple was killed Monday in a house fire.
The Morgan County Coroner said 84-year-old Donald Featherston and his wife, 79-year-old Mary Featherston died in the fire that happened at their home on High Street shortly after 3 p.m. Monday.
Investigators say foul play cannot be ruled out.
"It was just a blaze and smoke was rolling and I said, 'I hope there's nobody in there,'" said neighbor Chet Gibbs.
But the Featherstons were inside.
Several agencies were on the scene Tuesday afternoon investigating and looking for evidence. While they hadn't found anything that could lead to criminal activity, they are leaving all possibilities open.
Multiple neighbors called 911 around 3:30 Monday afternoon to report the couple's house was on fire. When fire crews got on scene, bystanders told them the couple could be inside.
"Firemen went in and were able to bring both victims out," said Morgan County Sheriff Rich Meyers.
It was already too late for Mary, who died at the scene. Her husband was declared dead later at Eskenazi Hospital.
"It just makes you sick," said Gibbs, shaking his head.
Investigators say Mary Featherston used oxygen, which could have contributed to the size and intensity of the fire.
The Morgan County Major Crimes Task Force, along with the ATF and Indiana State Fire Marshal are all investigating how it started in the first place. Investigators said there were no working smoking alarms in the home.
"It's a lot easier to downsize and go back than it is to upsize, so we're starting out fearing the worst but hopefully not," said Meyers.
While the investigation is just getting started, so too, is the grieving as neighbors remember a couple they called quiet, but friendly.
"God bless 'em. They're in a better place," said Gibbs.
This is Mooresville's first fatal fire in 14 years. Autopsies for the couple are scheduled Wednesday.