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Blaine man's death considered 'ironic' by investigators
Married 26 years, Noel and Sandra Hanson weren't the couple to cause alarm in their quiet Blaine neighborhood. "They're a couple no one hardly ever sees, they stay pretty much to themselves," said John Knudsen, a neighbor. But the private couple's story has ended, authorities say, with at least irony -- if not crime. On December 12th, police responded to a tip and found the Hanson's mobile home filled with natural gas. Police were able to get the couple out in time. But Sandra later admitted she tried to kill Noel -- and herself -- as part of a one-sided suicide pact. "Mr. Hanson reported he wasn't on board, he wasn't aware of the suicide pact and it was his intention to continue living," said Lt. Paul Sommer with the Anoka Sheriff's Office. Sandra eventually pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to a year in jail and 20 years probation. She was released Monday morning and returned home at about 3:30 in the afternoon. Five hours later, police say, she called 911. She reported her husband was unresponsive. When police arrived, they found Noel Hanson dead in his bathroom. Police say there were no signs of trauma or any indication that he died of anything other than natural causes. Noel battled several health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. Still, police say they're investigating his death, given the "ironic set of circumstances." "The timeline and the irony of her release coupled with his death is what is giving us pause to look at this a little bit closer," Sommer said, adding that they're awaiting Noel's autopsy results as the "key piece of information." That while friends mourn a lost friend. "He was the nicest man I've ever met," said Joe Bindley, Noel Hanson's friend.
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