Feb 6, 2005 By Paul Sunyak 2 min read

The chief investigator for the Fayette County coroner’s office is urging residents to keep a closer eye on shut-ins and senior citizens who live alone, in the wake of Friday night’s discovery of a body in Uniontown. Roger Victor said that Maria McCray, 78, died in her 77 Millview St. home between one and two weeks ago, apparently of natural causes. Victor said the body was “badly decomposed” when firefighters found it after gaining entry to the trash-strewn house.

“I guess they were checking on the welfare of a person, but it was too late,” said Victor. “From my understanding, her electricity was on but her water and heat was turned off.”

The electricity was turned off after the discovery of McCray’s body, said Victor, because the Uniontown fire chief promptly condemned the house.

“Evidently, she hoarded stuff, garbage and everything,” said Victor.

Coroner Dr. Phillip E. Reilly does not plan to order an autopsy, said Victor, because of McCray’s age and the apparent obvious circumstances of her death. The investigator said that no one was checking on McCray regularly, and he issued a reminder to the general public.

“If you don’t see elderly or shut-ins every couple of days, you need to check on them,” said Victor.

“Also, people may feel guilty if they turn somebody in to a social service agency or a code enforcement officer. But they shouldn’t.

“This might have been prevented. Don’t feel guilty about it, because you could save a life.”

Victor said he doesn’t have the full story on what generated the fire department’s arrival at McCray’s house, but added the Uniontown police department could probably provide more insight. The investigating officer wasn’t working Saturday night and thus couldn’t be reached for comment.