The bodies of three people who may have been overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from a propane heater being used for warmth have been found in a Long Beach apartment, authorities said Tuesday.
The bodies, which were in a state of decomposition, were discovered about 7 p.m. Monday by police officers conducting a welfare check on people living in the apartment in the 1100 block of Gardenia Avenue, said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter.
The dead were a man in his 50s, a woman in her 30s, and a male whose age was unknown, Winter said. A propane heater was discovered near the victims, who were found in a bedroom, Winter said. Their names were withheld, pending notification of their relatives.
The case was being investigated as an accident, Winter said.
Nancy Pratt of the Long Beach Police Department said officers found the bodies after going to the scene in response to a report of a “foul odor emitting from one of the units.”
The relationship between the occupants was unknown, Pratt said.
“A large portable propane heater was located inside the unit,” Pratt said. “It appears the occupants were using (it) for warmth. These type of heaters are not intended for indoor use and can produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide if the area is not adequately ventilated.”
— City News Service