Grandfather and grandson die from carbon monoxide leak in Hillsdale County

An investigation is underway after 78-year-old Donald Hawkins and his 25-year-old grandson, Ridge James Hitt, died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a home in Cambria Township. The Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths occurred on Friday, November 6, attributing the leak to improper work on the furnace.

Officials noted that no working carbon monoxide detectors were present in the residence. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services sent a reminder to residents on Monday that November is Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness Month, urging preventive steps to protect against the dangers of the odorless gas.

State surveillance data indicates that carbon monoxide poisonings lead to frequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations. In 2024, Michigan recorded 608 cases of illness and 42 deaths due to unintentional carbon monoxide exposure.

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