In a chilling discovery, three young urban explorers stumbled upon the mummified bodies of Marco Steffenoni, a retired dentist, and his wife Maria Teresa Nizzola in their villa in Montericco, near Verona, Italy.

The couple, who led a reclusive life, had likely been dead for months, with initial investigations suggesting carbon monoxide poisoning from a fireplace as the cause.

The bodies were found in an advanced state of decomposition, and an autopsy has been ordered to confirm the cause of death.

The villa, surrounded by olive groves, was thought to be abandoned by the explorers.

The tragic incident highlights the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure, especially in isolated settings.