Questions Remain in Distant Deaths

More information has been released about two Distant residents who were found dead in the snow during the weekend.

Kenneth Steffey, 64 and Linda Darlene Cook, 61, were found outside their residence at 3240 State Route 66/28 in Mahoning Township by a family member mostly covered in snow.

They were pronounced dead on scene.

According to Armstrong County Coroner Brian Myers after yesterday’s autopsy at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, neither Steffey nor Cook suffered injuries that could have resulted in their death and there was no signs of physical altercation or a struggle

Both also had “significant” medical conditions.

The cause and manner of death are both pending toxicology reports.

Dr. Cyril Wecht performed the autopsies, as he is the County Pathologist.

The investigation is ongoing by Pennsylvania State Police and New Bethlehem Police Department. The coroner’s office was assisted at the scene Pennsylvania State Police, New Bethlehem PD, Distant Township Fire Dept, Armstrong Co. Host Team 330, Clarion Station 4 Ambulance and PennDOT.

Route 28/66 was temporarily closed between Pheasant Farm Road and Cherry Street while the investigation was being conducted Sunday.