NJ Mom, Toddler Die From Carbon Monoxide After Car Tailpipe Covered By Snow

PASSAIC, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A Passaic mother and her year-old son have died of carbon monoxide poisoning while sitting in a running car with its tailpipe covered in snow.

Police also say the woman's 4-year-old daughter is hospitalized in "very critical condition."

Authorities say the woman's husband had been shoveling snow for about 20 minutes Saturday night when he returned to the car and found his family unresponsive.

Police responded to the 2000 Mazda parked on Sherman Avenue when they found the woman and two children, NJ.com reported. They were rushed to St. Mary's General Hospital in Passaic, where the mother and boy were pronounced dead.

Police said the car's tailpipe was covered in snow, which may have caused the carbon monoxide to come into the car.

One neighbor rushed into help.

"My mom tried to help the kids. She tried to give CPR to the little girl until the paramedics came," said neighbor Ivonne Figueroa. "She said she tried to help them, but she couldn't."

Neighbors placed flowers next to the car on Sunday afternoon.

The victims' names have not been released.

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