Jefferson County, MO – The three people found dead in a home near Fenton on Thursday are Smail Zukic, 64; his wife Asija Zukic, 55; and their son, Snead Zukic, 31, the sheriff’s office said today.
Authorities previously had said the youngest victim was 41, but later learned that was incorrect.
Another family member found them about 1:30 p.m. inside the split-level home in the 600 block of Walnut Ridge. Authorities say they may have been dead for two days.
Saline Valley Fire Chief Bob Dunn said they found very high levels of carbon monoxide inside the house.
There was no sign of foul play, and all three victims appeared to have been overcome while they were sleeping, said Sheriff Oliver “Glenn” Boyer.
Authorities believe a car had been left running in the garage, which is beneath part of the house. The keys were in the ignition and it was in the “on” position although it had stopped running, Boyer said.
The garage is on the lower level of the house. The garage door was closed when authorities arrived.
One of the victims was found in a recliner; the two others were found on mattresses, Boyer said.
“We haven’t ruled anything out, but we’re leaning toward that it’s an accident,” Boyer said.
A home health care worker who came to the house on Wednesday knocked on the door, but no one answered.
The worker was making a visit to the younger man, who had recently had surgery.