MILWAUKEE — Authorities have released the names of two people found dead in a car on near 22nd and Finn on Friday.
They are Zahnya Hunter and Seveon James. Both were from Milwaukee, and both were just 20 years old.
Police do not suspect foul play. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner says the cause of their deaths is pending toxicology reports, but they are continuing to investigate the case as probable carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to a report from the medical examiner's office, the oil cap was missing from James' car and there was a pool of oil on the ground underneath it. It stated part of the exhaust at the front of the car was rusted, and it appeared the exhaust may have been leaking.
As questions remain about how the young couple died, a makeshift memorial consisting of balloons, stuffed animals, and flowers mark the spot where they were found. It was just outside of Hunter's family home.
Family and friends said Hunter and James started dating during their freshman year in high school.
"He was at all of our family functions, a loving boyfriend. They were both goofy, always smiling," said Moore.
Ruby Moore has nothing but good memories of Hunter, her younger cousin.
"Just saying her name makes you smile," said Moore. "She's just a loving, caring, young lady. Always smiling."
Moore says Hunter was going to college and studying to be a nurse. The two of them were more like sisters than cousins.
You can imagine the pain Moore felt when she heard the news.
"This circumstance is something that you question because why does something so bad happen to someone so good? She was doing everything right," said Moore.
As the immense loss sinks in Moore hopes people will be kind to others because that's how Hunter lived her life.
"It's a traumatic experience but for them to have to go through that together is the light in all of the darkness. At least they passed together, loving each other," said Moore.
