While neighbors and the public at large may be anxious to know how and why a high-profile CEO and his wife died, investigators say no one should feel unsafe or threatened.
John Sheridan Jr., the CEO of Cooper University Health System, and his wife, Joyce, died Sunday morning.
John, 72, was pronounced dead at the couple's home in Montgomery Township, New Jersey, after rescue crews came to put out a fire in the master bedroom. Joyce, 69, died a short time later at a local hospital.
Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set, but they have not said who they suspect started the fire. Autopsies were performed on Tuesday, but authorities have yet to release the results.
"The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office is currently engaged in a very complex investigation," said Capt. Jack Bennett, communications director. While investigators are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact them, Bennett indicated on Thursday that no one should fear for their safety.
"At this point, based upon facts and circumstances learned through this investigation, we are quite confident that there exists no threat to either the immediate neighborhood or to the local community," said Bennett.
Sheridan Jr. joined Cooper in 2005. He is credited with helping transform the entire health care system and is also remembered as a community leader who was committed to revitalizing Camden.
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The couple is survived by four sons.
"The death of our parents has left a hole in our hearts and family that can never be filled," the family said in a statement. "We ask everyone to remember them as the wonderful parents and friends they were. Remember them as two People who loved each other, their family, and their friends generously and unconditionally. Remember their smiles, their hugs, and their laughter. Remember them as people who brought out the best in everyone around them.
"We cannot fathom, much less explain, the circumstances of their passing. Losing a parent is painful. Losing them both has been excruciating and we ask everyone to respect our need to privately grieve, process our loss, and support each other as the family our parents raised us to be."
Funeral arrangements for the couple have not been announced.
