Mystery surrounds deaths of 2 Fla. women

MIMS, Fla. (AP) — Sheriff's officials are trying to determine what killed two central Florida women.

Deputies say 69-year-old Jerry Lee Hawkins called 911 Monday afternoon when he couldn't revive his ex-wife and daughter. Hawkins told dispatchers that Katherine Myers and Jerri Brown were cool to the touch.

Florida Today (http://on.flatoday.com/xWwet4 ) reports both women had been suffering from a lingering cough and respiratory problems.

Neighbors told the newspaper the women had moved into the house recently to help Hawkins, who was becoming unable to take care of himself.

Authorities were concerned about a possible airborne illness and initially didn't enter the home.

Hawkins was taken to a hospital to try to rule out carbon monoxide poisoning or other illness. Deputies are awaiting toxicology reports on the women.

Officials say foul play is not suspected.