Leoni Township, MI – Authorities believe a man and woman died Friday of carbon monoxide poisoning because they were running a generator in an enclosed garage in Leoni Township.
Lonnie Sibbett, 75, and Leona Sibbett, 70, were found about 6 p.m. March 10. They were between the generator and the door to
the interior of the house in the 1600 block of Munith Road, according to a Saturday night statement from Blackman‑Leoni
Township public safety Director Michael Jester.
A concerned relative had not been able to contact the two and called police.
Public safety officers found “extremely high” levels of carbon monoxide in both the garage and the inside of the home just south
of Seymour Road.
“Nothing appeared suspicious at the scene,” Jester wrote in the statement, but detectives are awaiting results of autopsies to
confirm carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.
The two had been without electric service, according to the public safety department. Since a windstorm wreaked havoc last
week on the state, many in Jackson County still did not have power, moving some to use generators as temperatures have
dropped.
More than 8,360 customers remain without power in Jackson County
The public safety department reminds people that carbon monoxide is a deadly colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced by
burning gas, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel.
When appliances and engines are improperly ventilated, particularly in a tightly sealed or enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels, the public safety department warns.
The gases possibly leak into a house when a generator is used inside an attached garage, especially with a closed door.
“This case is most likely a tragic reminder of the dangers involved with this type of activity,” Jester wrote.