Deputies: New Smyrna Beach couple dies of carbon monoxide poisoning after car left running in garage

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A New Smyrna Beach couple in their 90s were found dead in their bed from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after deputies say a car was left running in their garage.

Deputies said William Whitehurst, 93, and Dorothy Whitehurst, 91, were likely lying in their bed reading when they died. Investigators said their bedroom is directly above their garage where a car was found with the keys in the ignition in the “on” position.

Deputies said the car’s battery had died, and a carbon monoxide test revealed a high enough level to incapacitate or kill inside the home on South Atlantic Avenue.

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Autopsies will determine the official cause of death, but deputies said all indications point to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the car left running in the garage.

Click here for more information from the Florida Department of Health on carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it.

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