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Officials: Fire That Killed Cooper Health CEO And His Wife Was Intentionally Set

SOMERVILLE, NJ (CBS) – Officials in Somerset County say the preliminary results of a fire investigation reveal that the deadly fire in the home of Cooper Health System CEO John Sheridan is deemed to have been intentionally set.

The Somerset County Prosecutor says the fire on Sunday, September 28, on Meadow Run Drive in Montgomery Township, was contained to the upstairs master bedroom of the residence.

Upon arrival, fire crews found John Sheridan and his wife Joyce unresponsive in the bedroom. They attempted life saving measures, but Mr. Sheridan was pronounced dead on the scene and Mrs. Sheridan died a short time later at Princeton Medical Center.

Neighbors CBS 3 Eyewitness News spoke with in the Montgomery township neighborhood had their suspicions about the fire.

Off camera they tell CBS 3 now that arson is involved they are even more concerned.

Prosecutor Soriano says that investigators assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Arson Task force determined the fire was intentionally set within the master bedroom.

Soriano adds the circumstances surrounding their death remain an active and ongoing investigation with lab results pending.

Cooper University Health Care released the following statement regarding the investigation results: 'We are saddened and shocked by what has been reported about the death of John Sheridan and his wife Joyce. Their deaths, already unbelievably sad, are now tragic. Our deepest condolences go out to John and Joyce's family for their terrible loss.'

Citing the ongoing investigation authorities would not comment on camera about the case.

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