NORTHFIELD CENTER, Ohio -- The Northfield Center house explosion that killed a family of four Monday night has been ruled arson, according to the state fire marshal.
The explosion killed Jeffrey and Cynthia Mather, as well as their two daughters in their home at 7486 Skyhaven Road.
Though the cause of the fire has been determined, the investigation remains ongoing as specific details have yet to be determined.
The Summit County Medical Examiner identified the couple killed Monday night in a blast at their home as Jeffrey and Cynthia Mather.
They were both 43 years old. Their two children, also believed to be inside, have not been officially identified. Investigators confirm there were four casualties.
Northfield Center Township Fire Chief Frank Risko has been fighting fires for 25 years. He said this was the first time he encountered death on the job.
Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw. He said the father was found near the back of the home, while the mother was near the front steps.
"And she was like hovered over," said Chief Risko. "Under her were the two children.
