Carbon monoxide poisoning claims Massachusetts family of 4 on Christmas day in Wakefield home

WAKEFIELD, NH –  A Massachusetts family of four spending Christmas in New Hampshire have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

A joint investigation into the deaths of four people was launched on Dec. 25 by Wakefield police and fire, along with state fire officials, after a welfare check was placed for a family residing at 2962 Province Lake Road.

At 4:21 p.m. Wednesday Wakefield Police Department discovered Matthew Goldstein, 52, Lyla Goldstein, 54, Valerie Goldstein, 22, and Violet Goldstein, 19, all of Newton, Mass., dead inside the residence.

The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined Matthew Goldstein’s cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning, and the manner is pending. The cause and manner of death of Lyla Goldstein, Valerie Goldstein, and Violet Goldstein remains pending.

Efforts to determine the cause of the suspected carbon monoxide leak remain active and ongoing, and investigators determined the cause was related to the home’s gas heating system. During the preliminary investigation, it was learned that the victims were expected to attend a holiday event. When they did not show up at the event, family members contacted local authorities and requested a welfare check, ultimately leading to the discovery of the victims. Additionally, no working carbon monoxide alarms have been found in the home.

Matthew Goldstein was an 8th grade teacher at Baker School in the Brookline School District in Massachusetts. On Dec. 27 Brookline Schools Superintendent Linus Guillory Jr., and Principal Saeed Ola, on behalf of the district, expressed their deep sympathy to all affected in the school community and community at large, with the passing of the Goldstein family.

The Public Schools of Brookline will have grief assistance and counseling services available Monday, Dec. 30, as well as when school resumes for those who have been affected by this tragic loss.

Students and the entire school community are encouraged to talk to counselors, faculty and their families, as the sudden loss of a teacher can raise difficult emotions, concerns, and questions.

Families are encouraged to visit the following resource for guidance in having conversations with their children: When Grief/Loss Hits Close to Home: Tips for Caregivers.

“We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mr. Matt Goldstein, an exceptional educator and a beloved member of our PSB and Baker School Community,” said Superintendent Guillory. “Mr. Goldstein’s dedication to inspiring students and shaping young minds has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Superintendent Guillory adds that supporting students, staff and family is of paramount importance, and the District is seeking outside resources to provide further support.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and students during this profoundly difficult time,” said Superintendent Guillory. “We are committed to providing the support and resources needed for the Baker School Community as we grieve this tremendous loss together.”

“Tragic news like this is difficult to process, and we know that our entire school community will need support during this challenging time,” added Principal Ola. “To this end, we are working closely with our school-based and district-level clinicians along with district-level staff to develop a support plan for our students and staff. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out if you have any immediate concerns or need assistance.”

Superintendent Guillory and Principal Ola wish to thank members of the Brookline community, as well as individuals from around the state, who have reached out to offer assistance and support during this difficult time.

Carbon Monoxide hazards

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which can cause serious illness and death at high levels. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer the following tips for making sure the carbon monoxide alarms in homes are maintained and working properly:

• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations, as required by laws, codes, or standards.
• If you have combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, follow the directions for smoke alarm installation.
• Test carbon monoxide alarms once a month and replace them if they fail to respond correctly when tested.
• Replace the carbon monoxide alarm according to manufacturer’s instructions or when the end-of-life signal sounds.
• Know the difference between the sound of the carbon monoxide alarm and the smoke alarm, and each alarm’s low-battery signals. If the audible low-battery signal sounds, replace the batteries, or replace the device.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms, and vice versa. Know the difference.

Additional information regarding the risks and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning is available on the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office website.