The tragic incident involving the discovery of four individuals who were found deceased due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in a residence in New Hampshire on Christmas Day has led to the identification of the victims as a family hailing from Massachusetts.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when they responded to a home located at 2962 Province Lake Road in Wakefield, New Hampshire, for a welfare check just prior to 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. Upon arrival, officials discovered the lifeless bodies of four adults inside the residence. The somber news was jointly announced by New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Wakefield Fire Rescue Chief Todd Nason, and Wakefield Police Chief Michael Fenton.
In an updated statement released by New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey on Friday, the victims were identified as Matthew Goldstein, 52, his 54-year-old wife Lyla Goldstein, and their two daughters, 22-year-old Valerie Goldstein and 19-year-old Violet Goldstein, all of Newton, Massachusetts.
Efforts to ascertain the cause of the suspected carbon monoxide leak are actively ongoing, with investigators continuing their examination of the home’s gas heating system, as disclosed by Toomey’s office.
The family had plans to attend a holiday gathering before the tragic turn of events unfolded. Concern arose when they failed to appear at the event, prompting their relatives to contact local authorities and request a welfare check, which ultimately led to the heartbreaking discovery of the deceased family members. Additionally, it was noted in the updated statement that no functional carbon monoxide alarms were present in the residence.
Brookline Public Schools Superintendent Linus Guillory confirmed to Boston 25 News that Matthew Goldstein was a teacher in the town, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Guillory described Mr. Goldstein as an exceptional educator who had made a significant impact on the PSB and Baker School Community with his dedication to inspiring students and molding young minds.
The Edith C. Baker School, where Goldstein was employed, caters to the Chestnut Hill and South Brookline neighborhoods of Brookline and stands as one of the largest elementary schools in the area. Guillory extended thoughts and prayers to the grieving family, friends, colleagues, and students of Mr. Goldstein, emphasizing the commitment to provide the necessary support and resources for the Baker School Community during this challenging period of mourning.
The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Matthew Goldstein’s cause of death was attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning, pending further details on the manner of death. The causes and manners of death for Lyla Goldstein, Valerie Goldstein, and Violet Goldstein are still under investigation.
