PROPERTY SEARCH
Fifteen years unnoticed: Valencia man's remains found after storm triggers leak
Neighbours stunned to learn Antonio had been dead in his home for well over a decade
A resident’s suspicion over a water leak after days of heavy rain in Valencia led to a disturbing discovery... the remains of Antonio, a retired builder, were found in his apartment in the La Fuensanta neighbourhood after being left unnoticed for about fifteen years.The alarm was raised on Monday afternoon, when water began leaking from the ceiling into a neighbour’s flat below on Luis Fenollet Street. Emergency services called to investigate discovered the top-floor terrace was flooded because of a blocked drainpipe.
When firefighters and police entered Antonio’s flat, at around 4.45pm, they found the flat in a severe state of neglect, with pigeon nests and debris throughout. The skeletal remains, believed to have been undisturbed for over a decade, were found lying in his bedroom, with some bones reportedly moved by pigeons into other rooms. The body was removed and taken to Valencia's Institute of Forensic Medicine at about 9pm.
The investigation is being led by the local Policía Nacional homicide unit and the district police station however there is no sign of violent or suspicious circumstances. The flat was locked from the inside, and all evidence so far suggests Antonio died alone of natural or accidental causes. Autopsy results are expected to confirm this. One officer remarked, “If it hadn’t been for the heavy rain, his remains would probably still be lying there.”
Antonio, who would have been 86, had lived alone after separating from his wife. He had two adult children, but had no contact with them for many years. Many residents assumed he had moved to a care home. His utility bills and community fees continued to be paid automatically from his pension, which meant his absence went unremarked for years.
The shocking case, only discovered because of floodwater from Storm Alice and the resulting leak, highlights how someone can slip out of sight for years in a busy city block.
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