WAKEFIELD, N.H. — Authorities say they’ve identified the cause of a carbon monoxide leak in New Hampshire that killed a Newton family on Christmas Day.
According to New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey, the propane gas home heating system at 2962 Province Lake Road in Wakefield malfunctioned and its ventilation system was damaged, resulting in a carbon monoxide leak.
Matthew Goldstein, 52; Lyla Goldstein, 54; Valerie Goldstein, 22; and Violet Goldstein, 19, all of Newton, Massachusetts, were staying at the home while on vacation and all passed away on December 25.
The family was expected to attend a holiday event before their deaths. Toomey said three victims were found in a bedroom and one in a bathroom.
The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death of Valerie Goldstein and Violet Goldstein was carbon monoxide poisoning. The cause of death for Matthew Goldstein was also carbon monoxide poisoning, and the manner is pending.
The cause of death of Lyla Goldstein remains pending, according to officials.
In light of this tragedy, residents are reminded to perform routine maintenance of their heating systems and to ensure they have installed, maintained and properly working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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