BATTLE CREEK (WWJ) - A young Michigan couple died, according to police, but their 5-month-old son survived after carbon monoxide filled a house overnight.
The man who on Wednesday found the victims -- identified as a 19-year old man from Coldwater and a 19-year old from Bronson -- had been working on the home and using a generator and portable heater on Tuesday.
That machinery running in the home was apparently to blame for the deaths, according to Battle Creek police, which called it "a horrible accident."
The house was vacant but was being remodeled by a friend of the homeowner, police said in a release. The male victim, who was helping with the remodel, brought the woman and the baby with him. No one was supposed to be staying at the house which did not have water or electrical service, police said, but the family ended up sleeping on an air mattress for the night, with the generator and heater running.
The baby was responsive and breathing when emergency responders arrived.
Speaking to the Battle Creek Enquirer, Det. Sgt. Todd Elliott called it "amazing" that the child survived, considering the amount of carbon monoxide in the home. He said foul play is not suspected in the case, adding thay the contractor was told by the couple that they wouldn't say overnight, and that someone was picking them up Tuesday.
Police said this incident should serve as a reminder to citizens not to use kerosene or gas heaters for a primary heat source or to operate generators inside buildings.
Names are being withheld until family members can be notified.
