PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WTVM) - Authorities are investigating a tragic incident on Wehring Lane in Phenix City, where four people were found dead overnight inside a residence.

Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. identified the victims as 77-year-old Willey Chappell, 70-year-old Sarah Chappell, 40-year-old Vantice Williams and 6-year-old Paradise Williams.

Sumbry stated that the preliminary cause of death may be smoke inhalation due to a fire inside the home. However, the investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The bodies of all four have been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for autopsies.

No further information has been released.

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