Four found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning on Christmas in New Hampshire

In Wakefield, New Hampshire, a tragic incident occurred on Christmas Day when a family of four was found dead in their home due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The victims, identified as Matthew Goldstein, 52, Lyla Goldstein, 54, and their two daughters, Valerie and Violet Goldstein, were reported missing after failing to arrive at a family gathering. Family members concerned for their well-being contacted authorities, prompting a welfare check which led to their discovery. Investigators have since focused on the home's propane heating system, which allegedly malfunctioned and resulted in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide accumulating in the home. Local officials noted that the home did not have any working carbon monoxide detectors, a critical oversight, as the absence of these alarms is often linked to many such tragic incidents. In the United States, more than 400 fatalities occur annually due to carbon monoxide poisoning that is not a result of fires. This situation reiterates the importance of installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors in residences, especially during the winter months when heating systems are in use. Matthew Goldstein was a respected eighth-grade math teacher at Brookline's Edith C. Baker School, while his wife, Lyla Goldstein, was a project manager at Microsoft. Their daughters were also accomplished; Valerie was a teacher in her first year with Teach for America and Violet was a college student at the Rhode Island School of Design. The school community and local organizations expressed their profound grief over the loss, emphasizing the positive impact the Goldsteins made on those around them. As the investigation continues, police and firefighters aim to understand better the circumstances leading to this family’s untimely deaths. Authorities urge homeowners to ensure their safety by installing functional carbon monoxide detectors. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the silent danger posed by carbon monoxide and the necessity of preventative measures in households throughout the country.