OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Thurston County Coroner’s Office confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning is what led to the death of an Evergreen State College (ESC) Student on Monday.
Jonathan Rodriguez, 21, of DuPont, was found dead on the school’s campus at an off-campus home on Dec. 11. Two other students, a 20-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman, were transported to the hospital. Authorities immediately suspected the cause was carbon monoxide poisoning and brought in a forensic engineering firm that specializes in carbon monoxide to test for a leak.
In a press release from the Washington State Patrol (WSP), The Thurston County Coroner’s Office confirmed the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.
The two other students have since been released from the hospital. We do not know their condition at this time.
The investigation into the timeline and causes of this ‘tragic incident’ remains ongoing. The outside forensic engineering firm will continue this investigation with WSP investigators.
WSP is in contact with ESC and provided them with the initial findings. College leaders will make safety decisions as necessary and will secure the incident scene for investigators when necessary. For updates on campus safety, visit the ESC website.
WSP issued the following statement on carbon monoxide and the potential impacts if exposed:
Carbon monoxide is the chemical produced from the incomplete burning of products or materials containing carbon. WSP would like to remind the public that carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in any enclosed space where situations such as inadequate ventilation, poor design, equipment misuse or equipment failure does not allow harmful gasses to escape. Poorly ventilated exhaust from cars, trucks, small engines, stoves grills, lanterns, hot water heaters, fireplaces, ranges or furnaces to name just a few, can be sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas has no taste, odor or color and some early symptoms of poisoning can mimic flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. This can lead people to not recognize they are in real danger and have been exposed to carbon monoxide.
If you are ever in a situation where you might have been exposed to carbon monoxide and are experiencing any of these symptoms, get into fresh air immediately and seek medical care right away. Commonly available and affordable carbon monoxide detectors and alarms are thoughtful investments in personal dwelling safety.
