CA family remembers horror as dad dies after being trapped in snow, mom barely survives

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A life within the mountains away from the hustle and bustle of their native Bay Space – that was the dream change into actuality for Jason Cassem, alongside along with his spouse and two youngsters. However that actuality was a nightmare, after Cassem died in a snow accident on the finish of March, at their Placer County house.

“He was a very good dad. And he was a very nice buddy and brother-in-law. And he is simply going to be so missed,” stated Sara Marcantonio.

Marcantonio is Jason’s sister-in-law. She says final Wednesday night time, Jason determined to place extra gasoline into the household’s generator, which was inside a small construction hooked up to the home.

Following the current storms, that construction was largely buried below a number of toes of snow, reaching all the best way as much as the household’s second story window.

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“When he did not come again after a couple of minutes, my sister thought it was odd,” Marcantonio stated.

Marcantonio says whereas Jason was contained in the construction, the snow collapsed trapping him inside.

After a number of minutes, the fumes from generator prompted Jason to lose consciousness.

His spouse, Melissa, realizing one thing was improper ran out to try to rescue him earlier than she too grew to become trapped.

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“She began CPR and chest compressions however then the fumes have been so robust so she would attempt to come up for air,” Marcantonio stated.

Nonetheless inside the house, the couple’s two younger youngsters heard their mom’s screams for assist and referred to as 911.

As first responders rushed to the scene, dispatchers additionally referred to as an off-duty firefighter who lived close by.

After arriving on the home, he was in a position to rescue Melissa.

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“All of them have stated that it is a miracle that she’s even alive. We have finished this for a very long time and this is not normally how this finally ends up,” stated Marcantonio.

However for Jason, it was already too late.

Now as their household picks up the items, they’re thanking everybody for the outpouring of help.

And hoping Jason’s loss of life can function a reminder of the significance of staying secure.

“The place individuals may possibly see or be taught in regards to the snow space up right here. Nobody anticipated this snow this yr. Nobody anticipated it to be so dangerous,” stated Marcantonio.

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