UPDATE — September 17, 2026: New York State Police say two people were found dead inside a Hill Street residence in Brushton after troopers responded for a welfare check Wednesday morning. Investigators have since executed search warrants and processed the home. Autopsies are scheduled for Friday, September 18. This incident has now been classified as a case where Two Found Dead in Brushton Home After Welfare Check.
BRUSHTON, N.Y. — A suspicious welfare check in Brushton is now a death investigation involving two deceased people, according to an updated New York State Police release. The developments confirm that Two Found Dead in Brushton Home After Welfare Check occurred. Troopers responded to a residence on Hill Street at about 8:30 a.m. on September 16, 2026. Police said officers entered the home and found two people dead.
State Police have not released the identities, ages or relationship of the two people. Authorities also have not announced any arrests or explained what led someone to request the welfare check.
Police continue to say there is no threat to the public connected to the incident.
Search warrants executed at Hill Street residence
In the latest update, State Police said investigators secured the scene, executed search warrants and processed the residence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Franklin County Coroner responded and ordered the removal of both bodies. Autopsies are scheduled for Friday, September 18, at Glens Falls Hospital. State Police said forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica will perform the examinations to determine the cause and manner of death.
The cause of death explains the medical reason a person died. The manner of death is a separate classification that may include natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide or an undetermined finding. State Police have not announced either determination in this case.
Specialized State Police units assisting
Members of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Violent Crimes Investigation Team and Forensic Investigation Unit responded to assist with the investigation and scene processing.
The involvement of those units does not by itself establish that a crime occurred. State Police have described the circumstances as suspicious but have not publicly said whether investigators believe the deaths resulted from criminal activity.
As of Thursday morning, the agency had not identified a suspect, announced criminal charges or asked the public for help locating anyone.
What State Police have confirmed
- Troopers responded to a Hill Street residence in Brushton at approximately 8:30 a.m. September 16.
- Police entered the residence and found two deceased individuals.
- The scene was secured and search warrants were executed.
- The Franklin County Coroner ordered both bodies removed.
- Autopsies are scheduled for September 18 at Glens Falls Hospital.
- State Police say there is no threat to the public related to the incident.
- The investigation remains ongoing.
What remains unknown
Several important questions remain unanswered. Police have not said who requested the welfare check, when the two people may have died or whether investigators found evidence suggesting foul play.
Authorities also have not released the names of the deceased. Identifications in death investigations are often withheld until relatives have been notified and investigators are ready to make the information public.
The scheduled autopsies may answer some medical questions, but toxicology or other laboratory testing can sometimes take longer. State Police have not given a timetable for another public update.
What is a welfare check?
A welfare check, sometimes called a wellness check, is a request for police or another emergency agency to check on a person’s safety. It may be requested when someone cannot reach a relative, friend or neighbor, or when there is concern about a person’s health or immediate safety.
A welfare check does not automatically indicate that a crime has occurred. In this case, however, troopers said the circumstances were suspicious and brought in criminal investigators and forensic personnel.
Investigation remains active
The case is being handled through New York State Police Troop B. Trooper Brandi M. Ashley is listed as the Troop B public information officer.
State Police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Until authorities release the autopsy findings or additional investigative details, the circumstances surrounding the two deaths remain undetermined publicly.
The Utica Phoenix will continue to update this report as verified information becomes available.
