Carbon monoxide likely killed child, grandfather

OLATHE — A silent killer is being blamed for the deaths of a toddler and his grandfather Saturday. The child’s grandmother remained hospitalized Sunday; all three were apparently victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Montrose County Sheriff Rick Dunlap said Truett Simoens, 17 months, and his 72-year-old grandfather, Julian Beamer, were found in a home in the 500 block of North River Road in Olathe.

The child had been staying the night with his grandparents Friday. His parents, Kirby and Heather Simoens, went to the North River Road address just after noon Saturday, after they were unable to reach the Beamers by phone. What came next was a frantic 911 call.

Deputies who arrived on scene checked Truett for vital signs but found none. They discovered his grandfather while checking the residence. Julian Beamer was unresponsive and not breathing. His wife was breathing, but did not respond when deputies tried to talk to her.

Ambulance crews likely saved her life by administering oxygen. Dunlap said she was taken to Montrose Memorial Hospital, then transferred to a hospital in Colorado Springs. He did not know her condition Sunday.

“We suspect it was carbon monoxide poisoning,” Dunlap said. “Nothing has been confirmed as of yet. However, the fire department did take an initial reading for carbon monoxide within the house and at that time, it was 60 parts per million, which is quite a bit above the normal.

“The level was decreasing rapidly and the reason for that is because the doors were opened.”

The deaths of Julian Beamer and his grandson are the third tragedy to occur in Olathe within the past month or so. Olathe resident Kacey Mumm died in a farming accident last December. Earlier this month, 8-year-old Josiah McCracken (of Montrose) died in a vehicle accident.

“Olathe is really getting hit with these deaths of kids,” Dunlap said. “It’s just absolutely tragic to have to see something like this and my heart goes out to the entire family. Our prayers are certainly with them.”

The home did not have carbon-monoxide detectors, Dunlap said.

The sheriff recommended all homeowners obtain carbon monoxide detectors, which are available at most hardware and home improvement stores.

He also recommended having a heating and plumbing company inspect vent pipes to ensure they are not leaking inside the house and are not obstructed.

“The cost of those detectors compared to something like this (incident) is very, very minimal,” Dunlap said.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by the burning of fuel, such as natural gas, propane and even wood.  It is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating, but it can be deadly to humans and pets alike — in fact, Dunlap said one of the first things his deputies did was check the victims’ residence for a dog or cat to help establish cause of death, but found none.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to such ailments as flu, migraine, depression or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dunlap said early onset symptoms include a headache, followed by dizziness and nausea.  Those who survive carbon monoxide poisoning typically must undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy to recover.

The Olathe incident remains under investigation but Dunlap said all signs point to accidental death.

“The carbon monoxide level was quite a bit higher than normal,” he said. “Remember, the door to the house was opened and some of it already got out. It disperses rather quickly once ventilation is obtained.”