In Memory
Richard Paul Otolski
May 24, 1947 - Feb. 3, 2003
A 55-year-old man was found dead either of carbon monoxide poisoning or heart disease Monday in his home on Phillipa Street. He was the son of Joseph Otolski and Sophia Sotkiewicz.
A neighbor of Richard Otolski became concerned when he didn't see Otolski for two days. The neighbor said Otolski was faithful in letting his dog outside, and since he was not seen since Saturday, he called Otolski's brother.
Otolski's brother went to check on his brother shortly before 5 p.m. Monday and found Richard Otolski dead, still in bed.
Firefighters found a gas leak and carbon monoxide in the house.
But Deputy Coroner Rex Rakow said after an autopsy Tuesday that Otolski had heart disease that may have been an issue in his death. Rakow said toxicology results will not be known for a few weeks.
Rakow said he was tentatively ruling that the death was due to "natural causes." Otolski likely died in his sleep Friday night or early Saturday.
Published in the South Bend Tribune on February 5, 2003.
12/22/2022 DEC
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