Thomas and Carmen Jimenez of 322 4th Street NW were discovered by police after family of the couple requested police check on their welfare. Police went to the house owned by the couple at 3:43 PM Monday and the Mason City fire department and other emergency responders followed about 20 minutes later.
The Fire Department found high levels of carbon monoxide and ventilated the home and likely contributed to the deaths of the tow individuals who lived there. Authorities determined that the cause of the high levels of carbon monoxide within the residence was improper venting of a heating device.
A car from Indiana was parked in front of the home Tuesday morning.
According to the Mason City Fire Department, carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of fuel burning appliances kills at least 200 people each year and sends more than 5,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Others die from Carbon monoxide produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. Still others die from Carbon monoxide produced by cars unintentionally left running in attached garages.
