Towson, MD- Mikeia Lucas, 30, who worked in the Arts Café at the Center for the Arts, was found dead at her apartment in late December due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Her death was caused by an open oven, which inspectors believe was used as a heat source in Lucas’ household. Three other individuals were found unconscious on the second and third floors of the same building. Lucas’ son is in critical care.
Officials say that gas was building up inside the oven due to someone covering the bottom of it with aluminum foil, according to an article from The Baltimore Sun.When the gas finally seeped out, it spread through the heating ducts and was excreted by the ventilation system that connects to every room. The next day, eight other individuals were taken to the hospital for possible carbon monoxide exposure evaluations.
Both staff members and students are shocked by Lucas’ sudden death, according to Jay Herzog, chair of the department of theatre arts, who found out when watching the news. He said there was no smile better than Lucas’ at lunch and dinner.
Freshman theatre major Jessica Liberatore said she spends most of her time in the Center for the Arts and knows how close people at the Café are to each other and the students.
I know that the employees must be in shock, she said. Not to mention that the CFA consists of a fairly tight group of people, everyone who works there is really sweet. I didn’t know her all that, well but it’s really sad to find out how she passed away.
Jacpulin Doggett, a worker at the Arts Café, said the news of Lucas’ passing was unbelievable.
She was a great person, Doggett said. [She was] always happy, singing and very good with customers. All the customers loved her and she was an excellent worker.