Elderly woman found dead in Jackson apartment

The body of an 82-year-old Jackson woman was discovered in her home just before 2 p.m. Monday, according to Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton.

Clifton said the woman, who was last seen alive early Sunday evening, appears to have died from smoke inhalation.

He said it appears she died in a fire that occurred overnight, but its unsure right now when the fire started. The woman's body was discovered around 1:50 p.m. Authorities were not aware of the fire because it burned itself out quickly, Clifton said.

The woman's name and address are being withheld until police can notify her family.

This story will be updated Tuesday at www.semissourian.com.