Two New Hope men found dead in their apartment

Updated: Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 at  2:30 p.m.

It remains unclear what caused the death of two men found in their New Hope apartment on Nov. 6, according to authorities.

Israel Alavez Tapia, 38, and Gualberto Nabor Aguilar Garcia, 42, were discovered in the bedroom of the home at 78 Tow Path, commonly known as Ney Alley, said Bucks County Coroner Meredith Buck. Her office is investigating the cause and manner of the two men’s deaths. Both men were from San Juan Colorado, Oaxaca, Mexico.

“It remains under investigation,” Buck said, Monday night. Autopsies, she added, did not indicate signs of trauma.

While it had been speculated the deaths were from carbon monoxide poisoning, Buck said, “we can’t rule it out or in.” Toxicology reports may take six to 10 weeks, she noted.

New Hope Borough Police Chief Michael Cummings said “elevated levels” of carbon monoxide were found in the apartment, “but it could be something else.” He declined to go into further detail, citing the ongoing investigation.

Police officers went to the home at about 4:30 p.m., after the bodies were seen by a third party who then informed police, said Cummings. Officers entered the unlocked apartment where they saw the men, who appeared to have died at the same time. “They exhibited no apparent trauma or injuries,” said authorities.

The scene was investigated by Bucks County detectives with the help of the Eagle Fire Company and the Bucks County Hazmat Team.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions,” the police chief said.

Caleb Lentchner, owner of Caleb’s American Kitchen in Solebury Township, worked with Tapia and Aguilar about a decade ago when he managed Marsha Brown’s in New Hope.

“They were my trusted and hardworking former colleagues,” he said.

A GoFund me has been established by Wendy Kelly, a former colleague and friend of the men. 

On the fundraising page Kelly, wrote: “They are both known for working long days, weekends, nights and holidays keeping our area restaurants open, clean and operating. Honest, hardworking, funny and God fearing men. They strived to take care of their families back home in poverty stricken Mexico. They will not be forgotten as they have cultivated so many friendships here the USA. Please help me to send them home to their loved ones. Their loved ones deserve to say goodbye and honor them with a proper burial service."

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