NILES — An autopsy report has concluded that hypothermia caused the deaths of a father and daughter found dead in their Niles home earlier this year. Their deaths have been ruled an accident, according to the Niles Police Department.

Albert Bivins, 81, and his daughter, Patricia Bivins, 55, were found at 5:42 p.m. Jan. 3, at 621 Woodruff St., after a neighbor requested a welfare call. Niles City Police Officers observed the unresponsive residents through a window. After gaining entry into the home, it was discovered that Albert and Patricia were deceased.

Although there was gas and electric working in the home the temperature in the home was below freezing. The deceased residents were found in a frozen state.

Albert and Patricia Bivins were transported to the Western Michigan University School of Medicine for autopsies. The autopsies were completed Jan. 6.

The autopsy reports conclude that the cause of death for both Albert and Patricia Bivins was hypothermia and manner of death was ruled an accident.