An investigation into the death of a couple found in their Beaverton home on July 9 indicates the woman died of a brain aneurysm and the apparently distraught husband took his own life approximately three days later.

Beaverton Police Department detectives confirmed the Washington County Medical Examiner’s report indicating the husband and wife, who were in their 50s, died from separate causes.

An autopsy revealed the woman, who was found downstairs with a Bible and blanket placed on top of her, suffered a fatal aneurysm. The husband was found dead upstairs of an apparent suicide.

Because a suicide was involved, the names of the couple, who resided in the 16000 block of Southwest White Bird Street, are not being released. There was no indication of foul play, and the couple’s grown children were notified of the deaths, said Detective Sgt. Jim Shumway, Beaverton police spokesman.

Based on a note a U.S. Postal Service carrier found inside the couple’s mailbox indicating the couple was likely deceased, police went to the house on July 9 and discovered two bodies in different places in the house. The note was one of a series of written messages from the husband indicating how police could enter the house, and details of how to access important documents and take care of the couple’s dog.

The dog was taken to Washington County Animal Services and later picked up by one of the couple’s sons, Shumway said.

Support is available

If you or someone you know is dealing with loss, there are resources available offering support. Visit www.griefwatch.com for a list of local support groups specific to your type of loss. Connecting with others who care can make all the difference.