Four Found DEAD On Christmas Day After Common Home Problem

Four adults were found dead in a New Hampshire home on Christmas Day, with carbon monoxide poisoning suspected as the cause, raising urgent concerns about home safety.

At a Glance

  • Four adults discovered dead in Wakefield, NH home on Christmas Day
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected as cause of death
  • Home lacked carbon monoxide detectors
  • Incident highlights importance of CO detectors in residences
  • Over 400 Americans die annually from non-fire-related CO poisoning

Tragic Christmas Day Discovery

On Christmas Day, a somber discovery shook the small town of Wakefield, New Hampshire. Four adults were found dead in a home, with authorities suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause. The Wakefield Police Department responded to a welfare check around 4:20 p.m. after family members grew concerned when the victims failed to appear at a planned Christmas gathering.

The victims included two older adults and two younger adults. Among them was Matt Goldstein, a teacher from Brookline, Massachusetts, whose death was confirmed by the superintendent of Brookline Public Schools. The tragic loss has left the community in shock, grappling with the sudden absence of individuals described as beloved community members.

Investigation Underway

Authorities, including the State Fire Marshal, have launched an investigation into the incident. While autopsies are scheduled to officially determine the cause of death, initial findings point strongly towards carbon monoxide poisoning. The home, tragically, lacked carbon monoxide detectors, a critical safety device that could have potentially prevented this heartbreaking outcome.

“While the investigation remains active and ongoing, at this time, investigators believe the victims died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning,” Sean Toomey, the Fire Marshal and the Chiefs of the Wakefield Police and Fire Rescue departments said.

Officials are examining a gas heating system as a potential source of the deadly gas. The investigation’s urgency is underscored by the frigid temperatures in Wakefield on Christmas Day, which dropped as low as 13 degrees Fahrenheit, likely necessitating the use of heating systems.

Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless gas that can emanate from various household sources, including furnaces, generators, and vehicle exhaust. Its ability to go undetected makes it particularly dangerous, with symptoms often mistaken for common illnesses like the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 400 Americans die annually from non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning. This statistic underscores the critical importance of having functional carbon monoxide detectors in every home, a point emphasized by State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey in the wake of this tragedy.

Community Response and Safety Reminders

The loss has reverberated through the communities of Wakefield and Brookline. Linus Guillory, superintendent of Brookline Public Schools, expressed the profound impact of Goldstein’s death, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and students during this profoundly difficult time. We are committed to providing the support and resources needed for the Baker School Community as we grieve this tremendous loss together.”

As the investigation continues, with more information expected to be released, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of home safety measures. Authorities are urging homeowners to ensure they have working carbon monoxide detectors installed and to have heating systems regularly inspected and maintained. These simple steps can be the difference between life and death, particularly during the cold winter months when the use of heating systems increases.

We’re sure our readers will join us in saying a prayer for the family who passed and the family left behind.

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