‘Silent Killer’ Claims the Lives of Four Family Members on Christmas Day
SILENT KILLER – A family of four from Wakefield, New Hampshire, were found dead in their lakeside home on Christmas Day.
The cause of their deaths was later determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning, which occurred due to a malfunction in the propane heating system. The family, consisting of 52-year-old elementary school teacher Matthew Goldstein, 54-year-old Microsoft project manager Lyla Goldstein, their 22-year-old daughter Valerie, a fellow teacher, and 19-year-old college student Violet, unknowingly succumbed to the “silent killer” while they were sleeping.
Investigators are still uncertain about the exact cause of the system failure and discovered that no carbon monoxide detectors were present in the home. In light of this, New Hampshire Fire Marshal Sean Toomey is urging homeowners to install carbon monoxide alarms to prevent such tragedies. The loss of this family serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of undetected carbon monoxide, which can be lethal without warning.
Meanwhile, carbon monoxide poisoning happens when carbon monoxide (CO), a gas that’s colorless and odorless, builds up in the body. It’s produced when fuels like gas, wood, coal, or oil don’t burn properly. When you breathe in CO, it stops your blood from carrying oxygen to your organs and tissues, which can be very dangerous. At first, you might feel things like a headache, dizziness, confusion, or nausea. As it gets worse, you could become very weak, lose consciousness, or even suffer brain damage—or worse, die.
What makes CO poisoning so scary is that you can’t see, smell, or taste it, so it’s hard to know when you’re being exposed. Common sources of CO are things like faulty heaters, gas appliances, or car exhaust. To keep safe, it’s important to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, keep your appliances in good working order, and ensure good airflow in closed spaces. If you think you’ve been exposed to CO, get medical help right away.