Louisville, KY – A death investigation is underway after three people were found unresponsive in a vehicle that was parked and turned on in a garage in Valley Station on Wednesday, Nov. 28, the Louisville Metro Police Department said.
LMPD responded to the 9900 block of Plaudit Way around 9 a.m. and found a male and two children unconscious inside an enclosed garage.
The man and a 3-year-old were taken to Southwest Hospital where they were pronounced dead. The third victim, a 7-year-old girl, was taken to Norton Children’s Hospital and is in critical condition.
The man was the father of both children.
The LMPD is continuing to investigate this. They said, according to witnesses and evidence, it appears to be a “horrific accident” involving carbon monoxide poisoning.
“This is just a reminder in the cold months to be cautious of running vehicles in closed indoor areas, specifically garages,” Detective Emily McKinley said. “Just be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Police said they do not know how long the car was running, but they do know the garage door was closed at the time.
“We’ve all warmed our car up in the winter months. We all want a warm car to get into. Just be cautious of the areas you’re doing it in,” McKinley said. “Make sure it’s well- ventilated. Don’t warm it up in a closed garage. Open your garage or move it outside. Obviously this can happen very quickly, especially in confined spaces.”
Neighbors said the family was always nice and giving, and the news of their horrific deaths was upsetting.
“It just breaks your heart to think all the people out there killin one another and doing all that stuff and no sorrow over what they do and this sweet family to be hit like this,” neighbor Joan Johnson said. “It’s just awful.”
Johnson said the father and his son were very alike, the son always following his father and helping him with day-to-day activities. The daughter, Johnson said, was beautiful and shy.
“All we can do now is pray for [the mother] and the little girl now…and she’s such a good momma,” Johnson said. “I was blessed to have them around me…”