Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Probable Cause of Death for Couple Found in Hunting Cabin

(KNSI) — Authorities in Mille Lacs County say a husband and wife died in a hunting cabin after what they say may be accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

The sheriff’s office says someone called 911 Sunday evening saying they went to the family property near Isle and found their mother and father both unresponsive in the cabin. Firefighters say there were dangerously high levels of the odorless, colorless gas inside.

A press release says investigators say they believe “the couple had been using a small charcoal stove for heat without proper ventilation.” The cabin also lacked a carbon monoxide detector.

It is a state law in Minnesota that a CO detector is placed within ten feet of every bedroom. Detectors should also be cleaned and tested regularly. The Minnesota Department of Health says each year, accidental CO poisoning causes, on average, 400 deaths in the U.S. and 14 deaths in Minnesota.

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever a fuel, such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, or wood, burns. Potential sources of carbon monoxide include gas clothes dryers, furnaces and boilers, water heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, cars, grills, generators and power tools.

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or confusion, shortness of breath, and blurry vision.

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