Autopsy: Brownsville family died from heat exposure

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three family members that were found decomposed inside a Brownsville apartment in early May died from heat exposure, according to an autopsy report.

Siblings Maria Trinidad Galvan, 78, and Joaquin Galvan, 82, were found in a "high state of decomposition" inside a unit at Conquistador Apartments on May 8.

Joaquin's 60-year-old daughter and family caretaker, Maria Esther Singh, was also found dead at the scene.

Brownsville police responded to the apartment complex and upon arrival detected a "strong foul odor."

The family is said to have been dead inside the apartment for several days before they were found.

"Over the preceding three days, the temperatures ranged from 90 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit," the autopsy report stated.

According to the report, multiple floor fans were in operation however the air conditioner unit was not turned on with the thermostat reading 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

The autopsy report states all three family members had health concerns that were complicated by heat exposure.

Singh, Joaquin and Maria all had a reported history of diabetes, the report shows.

Joaquin had additional health concerns including hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Maria had a history of hypertension and hypothyroidism.

The manner of all three deaths have been ruled as accidental.