Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected in two deaths

Two people were found dead in a home in Coulee City Monday evening, with carbon monoxide poisoning suspected as the cause of death.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office said investigators Tuesday were looking into the tragic deaths of two people in a trailer park in the 500 block of West Walnut Street after their landlord discovered their bodies about 7 p.m. Monday.

Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison stated Wednesday that 68-year-old Roxy Mae Ergler and 72-year-old Kenneth W. Gomez were the two victims. Their families have been notified.

The cause of death won’t conclusive until the coroner receives results of a laboratory analysis, which can take several weeks.

An autopsy will be performed to confirm cause of death.

Deaths in Grant County due to carbon monoxide poisoning have happened in the past, the sheriff’s office said, including an incident Nov. 26, 2007 in Royal City, when three children died and two more were hospitalized. They had been overcome by carbon monoxide from a generator running inside their home to power electric heaters during a power outage.