Lyla Goldstein, Valerie Goldstein Obituary, Death – The New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office has identified the four victims who tragically died in Wakefield, NH, on Christmas Day as a family from Newton, Massachusetts. The victims, all members of the Goldstein family, were Matthew Goldstein, 52, his wife Lyla Goldstein, 54, and their daughters Valerie, 22, and Violet, 19. The family’s sudden and tragic deaths have drawn attention to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent threat that can be deadly when unnoticed.
According to Fire Marshal Sean Toomey, Matthew Goldstein’s death was confirmed as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, though the manner of his death is still pending further investigation. The causes and manners of death for Lyla, Valerie, and Violet Goldstein are also still under investigation. The New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office is actively working to determine the origin of the suspected carbon monoxide leak, with particular focus on the home’s gas heating system.
The investigation revealed that the Goldsteins had planned to attend a holiday event but failed to show up. Concerned family members contacted local authorities, prompting a welfare check that led to the discovery of the victims inside their home. Tragically, no working carbon monoxide alarms were found in the residence, which may have contributed to the deadly poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a particularly dangerous gas because it is colorless and odorless, making it impossible for people to detect its presence without a functioning alarm. At high levels, carbon monoxide can quickly cause severe health issues and even death. The lack of working alarms in the Goldstein home underscores the critical importance of maintaining and regularly testing carbon monoxide detectors.
In light of the tragic event, Toomey stressed the importance of ensuring that homes are equipped with functional carbon monoxide alarms. He also shared safety tips to help prevent similar incidents in the future. The Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, recommends that homeowners install carbon monoxide detectors in central locations outside sleeping areas, on every level of the home, and other places as required by local laws and building codes.
It’s essential to test carbon monoxide alarms monthly to ensure they function correctly. If the alarms fail to respond to a test, they should be replaced immediately. Additionally, alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines or when they emit an end-of-life signal, which typically occurs after several years of use. Toomey also emphasized the importance of understanding the different sounds made by carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms. While both types of alarms will emit a sound when there is an issue, each alarm has a distinct signal for low battery or emergency situations.
It’s also important for homeowners to be aware that carbon monoxide alarms are not a substitute for smoke alarms. Both types of alarms are necessary for comprehensive home safety, and each plays a distinct role in protecting the home from different hazards. While carbon monoxide poisoning and fires are different dangers, both can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
The Goldstein family’s deaths serve as a stark reminder of the critical role that carbon monoxide detectors play in preventing such tragedies. Carbon monoxide poisoning often occurs without warning, as the gas is undetectable by sight, taste, or smell. Without the ability to sense the danger, people can unknowingly be exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide, which can lead to unconsciousness and death if exposure continues unchecked.
The New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the source of the carbon monoxide leak in the Goldstein home, focusing on the gas heating system as a possible cause. This ongoing investigation will help authorities understand how the leak occurred and potentially prevent similar incidents in the future. At present, the focus remains on determining the exact circumstances that led to the tragic deaths.
In the meantime, families across the state and country are being urged to take immediate action to ensure the safety of their homes by checking that carbon monoxide alarms are properly installed and functioning. With the right precautions, many deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented. The Fire Marshal’s Office provides resources and guidance on its website to help residents understand the risks associated with carbon monoxide and how to safeguard their homes effectively.
As the investigation continues and further details emerge, the tragic loss of the Goldstein family is serving as a sobering reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of neglecting home safety measures, particularly when it comes to carbon monoxide. It also highlights the importance of family members checking in on one another, as their prompt action in requesting a welfare check ultimately led to the discovery of the victims and the start of an investigation into the cause of death.
The Goldstein family’s deaths have left a deep impact on the community, and their story is serving as a powerful motivator for families to prioritize carbon monoxide safety in their homes. Ensuring that alarms are installed, maintained, and tested regularly can save lives and prevent similar tragedies in the future.