Woman found dead in Orangevale home after gas leak prompts evacuations

A woman was found dead Tuesday afternoon inside an Orangevale home following a natural gas leak that led to nearby evacuations and road closures, authorities said.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said deputies discovered the body of an adult female in a residence on the 7800 block of Mountain Avenue, where the gas leak is believed to have originated.

Fire crews responded to reports of a dangerous odor and discovered the leak about 2 p.m., prompting road closures between Cherry Avenue and Golden Gate Avenue. Residents in the area were briefly evacuated as a precaution.

The leak was later rendered safe, and officials allowed residents to return to their homes. The Sheriff’s Office said deputies remained at the scene just after 4 p.m. pending the arrival of the coroner.

No additional information about the woman was released. Her death is under investigation, the Sheriff’s Office said.