George Russell Benoit, 19, lifelong resident of Merrimack, NH passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 19th, 2024. He was born in Manchester, NH on July 6th, 2005, one of two sons of Michael and Mary Russell Benoit. Raised in Merrimack, he was a graduate of Merrimack High School in 2023
Four people have died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in a New Hampshire residence, according to officials who reported that the victims were found dead on Christmas.
The Wakefield, N.H. Police Department responded to 2962 Province Lake Road for a welfare check at around 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday.
When police officers arrived, they found four people who were dead. Investigators from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to respond to the scene.
The names of the four victims, all adults, were being withheld pending next of kin notification.
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“While the investigation remains active and ongoing, at this time, investigators believe the victims died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning,” New Hampshire officials wrote in a release.
Autopsies were scheduled to be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on Thursday to confirm the cause and manner of death for each of the victims.
“State Fire Marshal Toomey would like to remind everyone of the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms in their homes,” officials wrote. “In the event of an alarm activation, residents should immediately exit their homes and call 9-1-1. Anyone with questions about home fire and carbon monoxide safety should contact their local fire department or the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.”
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled, according to the CDC. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill.
Many household items including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills produce this poison gas.
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“Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home,” the CDC states. “Check CO detector batteries when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall to be sure they are functioning properly… Replace your CO detector following the manufacturer’s instructions or every 5 years. Set a reminder on your smartphone or other device calendar when you purchase and install the detector.”
Anyone with information that may help with the Wakefield investigation is urged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office was assisted at the scene by members of Wakefield Fire Rescue, the Wakefield Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police.
Four people were found dead late Wednesday afternoon at a home in Wakefield, N.H., after an apparent carbon monoxide exposure, New Hampshire State Police said.
At 4:21 p.m., police responded to 2962 Province Lake Road for a welfare check, State Police said in a statement.
Police found multiple adults dead inside, the statement said.
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The identities of the victims were not released “pending next of kin notification,” according to the statement.
Investigators from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted at the scene, authorities said. Wakefield Fire Rescue, Wakefield Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police also provided aid at the scene, officials said.
The official causes of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on Thursday, according to the statement.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.
State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey said residents should ensure they have working carbon monoxide alarms in their homes, the statement said. Residents should immediately exit their homes and call 9-1-1 when an alarm is activated, according to the statement.
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Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can be produced by household items including burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Some common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, described as “flu-like,” are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion, the website said.
Kiera McDonald can be reached at kiera.mcdonald@globe.com.
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