Man found dead after 20 days

20 August 2004

MADRID – An elderly man found on the floor of his Madrid home on Friday is believed to have died nearly three weeks ago.

Firemen broke into the apartment of the man, identified only as Pablo C., after neighbours reported an “intense strong smell” in the passageway of the building.

Local residents told EFE that the dead man had not been seen for at least 20 days and that none of his family had been to visit him during that time.

A woman neighbour who raised the alarm on returning from her holidays said: “He was always worrying about not wanting to die alone. He was very lonely, very depressive and always crying.”

Witnesses said a police officer tried to open the door to the man’s apartment, but couldn’t. Firemen eventually had to gain entry by jumping from one balcony to another.

Subject: Spanish news