Two teens die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Hoffman Estates, police say
Two teens were found dead inside a vehicle early Sunday morning in Hoffman Estates, according to police.
Hoffman Estate Police said just after 12:30 a.m., police and fire crews responded to the 200 block of East Berkley Lane for a report of two people inside a locked vehicle who appeared to be unconscious and not breathing.
Crews found both teens inside the vehicle unresponsive.
After forcing their way in, the teens were extracted and immediately given life-saving measures. Both were then taken to St. Alexius Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead.
The Medical Examiner identified the victims as 16-year-old girl Litzy Flores and 17-year-old Yeferson A. Flores Ramos, both of Hoffman Estates.
Police said their cause of death appeared to be accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
On Monday, administrators at Conant High School, where Flores was a sophomore and Ramos a senior, put their crisis team in place to help the students navigate the loss.
While it remains unclear what led to this tragedy, investigators say they plan to do a forensic inspection of the vehicle with a focus on its exhaust system.
"Those fumes are gonna go inside the vehicle"
Joe Welch, a Palatine-based mechanic with over 30 years of experience, said an improperly installed or faulty aftermarket exhaust system could, in most cases, result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Although it's unknown if that played a role in the deaths, car owners are advised to be aware of the red flags.
"When you get fumes inside your vehicle, it gives you headaches. You feel fatigued, even nauseous. It's something I would watch out for," Welch said.
Hoffman Estates Police confirms that it will conduct a full inspection of the vehicle in the coming days to determine any problems it may have had.