Amanda Elderkin, Jason Elderkin Obituary, Death: Three killed in carbon monoxide poisoning at Saguaro Lake, deputies confirm.
Amanda Elderkin, Jason Elderkin Obituary, Death – The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has released the identities of the three individuals who tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning at Saguaro Lake in Mesa over the weekend. The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Amanda Elderkin, 41-year-old Jason Elderkin, and 57-year-old Julieanne Afman. According to Sergeant Calbert Gillett, Julieanne Afman was the mother of Amanda, who was married to Jason.
The fatal incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, around 3 p.m., when deputies responded to a distress call from a marina reporting three unresponsive people inside a houseboat. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered a generator running inside the boat. The generator is suspected to be the source of the carbon monoxide, a dangerous, odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that can be emitted from appliances such as stoves, furnaces, and generators, especially in confined spaces.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the gas is inhaled in large amounts, displacing oxygen in the blood and causing harm to vital organs. The victims were found in a confined space with the generator running, a scenario that can quickly lead to dangerous levels of the gas accumulating in the air. The victims’ cause of death is believed to be a result of the poisonous gas exposure.
At this time, authorities do not suspect foul play, and the incident is not considered suspicious. However, an investigation is still ongoing to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The sheriff’s office is working to determine whether there were any contributing factors or mistakes in the setup of the generator that led to the tragic incident.
The sheriff’s office is reminding the public of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly when using gas-powered generators, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Carbon monoxide is often undetectable without specialized equipment, and its effects can be fatal if exposure is not avoided or treated immediately.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with the use of portable generators, especially during the colder months when they may be used more frequently for heating. Authorities are urging residents to ensure proper ventilation and safety precautions when operating such equipment to prevent further incidents like this.
As of now, the investigation continues, with law enforcement working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Amanda Elderkin, Jason Elderkin, and Julieanne Afman. Although the case does not appear to involve any foul play, investigators will continue to examine all aspects of the incident to ensure a complete understanding of what transpired on that fateful day.
