An elderly man and his step grandson were found dead in a home in Rye Brook Monday afternoon, apparent victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Police say Carl Persson, 80, and his step grandson, 50-year-old, Joseph Pendrak, were found dead in their beds around noon Monday.
Persson's car, which was in the garage, had run out of gas and had a dead battery. The key was in the ignition in the "on" position, according to officials.
A relative called police after not hearing from the men for several days.
No criminality is suspected, and authorities believe the deaths were a tragic accident. The investigation is ongoing.
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. Here are some ways to protect your family from being exposed:
- Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors. They cost as little as $30 at home improvement stores. Install one on each floor of your home.
- Check your appliances. Gas appliances like ranges, ovens or even clothes dryers can produce carbon monoxide if they're not installed or working properly, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Have your chimneys and vents inspected every year by a service technician. A block could cause carbon monoxide to back up in to your home.
