Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills Denver Family in Aspen

A family of four from Denver died over the holiday weekend while visiting Aspen. The tragedy was caused by a carbon monoxide leak from a malfunction in the house’s hot water and snow melting system.

According to Channel 7 News in Denver, the Lofgren family was visiting friends in Aspen over the Thanksgiving holiday when high levels of carbon monoxide in the home they were staying in killed them.

Carbon monoxide is a significantly toxic gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless and lacks any sort of irritating factor that could allow someone to detect its presence.

The Aspen Volunteer Fire Department discovered extremely high and unsafe carbon monoxide levels when they arrived on the scene after friends and family discovered the bodies on Friday evening.

The cause of the carbon monoxide leak was found to be a faulty appliances used for hot water and to melt snow.

Carbone monoxide leaks are the leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United States, injuring about 40,000 people annually. The first symptoms of CO poisoning, which could include headaches, nausea, light headedness and flu like symptoms, are often not attributed to a gas leak, potentially resulting in prolonged exposure.

Several states and jurisdictions have carbon monoxide detector laws, requiring the use of carbon monoxide alarms that detect the toxic gas. Among them are Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont and New York City.

Carbon monoxide leak detectors are widely available for between $20 and $60, and can provide people with a chance to ventilate the area or leave the building safely.