Elderly woman found dead in Jackson apartment

The body of an 82-year-old Jackson woman was discovered in her home this afternoon, according to Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton. Clifton said the woman died from smoke inhalation.

He said it appears she died in a fire that occurred overnight, but it's 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 name of the victim isn't being released pending notification of next of kin.