Mom’s sudden death left children fending for themselves for five days, Texas cops say

A 71-year-old mother was found dead after school officials asked police to do a welfare check at her home, according to Texas police.

Teachers at the Forney Independent School District “sensed something was wrong” Friday when two students were absent and their parent could not be reached, a district spokesperson told McClatchy.

The boys, ages 5 and 7, had not been in class since Monday, Sept. 21, according to KTVT.

Police found the mother, Connie Taylor, dead inside the home, KFDW reported. She is believed to have died from natural causes.

The boys tried to call 911 when their mother collapsed, but they did not have the passcode for her phone, according to KDFW.

They fed and cared for themselves at the home for five days, InForney.com reported.

“We are so thankful that our teachers are building relationships with families to know something wasn’t right, and for our officers that check in our families,” the school spokesperson said. “Our hearts break with the family, and we are keeping them close in our thoughts and prayers.”

The mother had recently adopted the children, who are currently being cared for by Children Protection Services, KTVT reported.