Three family members found dead from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning: ‘Great people’

Nahant police received a request for a welfare check at their Massachusetts home on Monday

Three family members in Massachusetts have died from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker shared the news in a press release, identifying the victims as 77-year-old John Benson, his 74-year-old sister-in-law, Youngae Benson, and 45-year-old Andrew Carruth. , who was the cousin of John Benson.

Their bodies were discovered after Nahant police received a request for a welfare check at the home on Monday.

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“The Nahant Police Department and Nahant Fire Department responded to the scene and upon arrival found three adults deceased from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning,” the news release said. Foul play is not suspected, according to Boston.com.

“It’s scary in this small town. Great people, that’s all I can say about them. Never a problem with them, always great,” local resident John Molenti told Boston 25 News. Fellow local resident Ted Mahoney echoed the same sentiments.

“Yes, I’m shocked. I’ve seen ambulances here before for medical issues, so I assumed that was the case last night,” he told the newspaper. “But then I realized it was a more serious problem. I’m devastated. You couldn’t get better people.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Benson family as they mourn the loss of their loved ones,” the Nahant Police Department wrote on Facebook while also sharing the district attorney’s press release.

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On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services shared a video about Xformerly known as Twitter, shows State Fire Marshal Jon M. Divine discussing the importance of a carbon monoxide detector.

“@NahantFD & @NahantPolice are reporting 3 tragic deaths in what may have been a #CarbonMonoxide incident. As the investigation with @MassStatePolice and @EssexCountyDA continues, we want to remind everyone of the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms at every level of your home,” their tweet read.

In the video, Divine explained that carbon monoxide is “poisonous to people and pets.” He added: “We can’t see it, smell it or taste it. That’s why it’s so important to have working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Replace the batteries twice a year and test them every month to ensure they are working properly. working properly.”

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According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carbon monoxide is a “colorless, virtually odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid” that results from “incomplete oxidation of carbon during combustion.”

Sources of carbon monoxide include gas stoves, leaking chimneys and furnaces, and unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, according to the EPA.

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