The Summit County Medical Examiner has released a preliminary report on the cause of death of Cindy and Jeff Mather and their two children after their Northfield home exploded on Jan. 11.
According to the report, the coroner found smoke soot in the airway and lungs of Jeff Mather but there was no evidence of smoke inhalation in the bodies of his wife or children.
Previously the State Division of the State Fire Marshal's office ruled the explosion an arson.
According to the medical examiner report a gas can was located next to the body of Jeff Mather in a different part of the home from where the rest of his family was found.
Authorities stated murder-suicide is one of the options being explored by investigators on the case.
Records indicate Mather was having issues at work and as recently as December had made statements to Cleveland Metroparks rangers about suicide when he was found with a shotgun and crying at Lagoons Picnic Area in Brook Park.
A final cause of death has not been determined and could take several weeks, the medical examiner said.
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