Two Individuals Found Deceased in Vehicle
UPDATE
BYRON TOWNSHIP, Mich.: The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the deaths of a 38-year-old female and a 16-year-old female as accidental due to carbon monoxide asphyxiation.
As part of the investigation, Kent County detectives and the Byron Township Fire Department conducted testing on the vehicle involved. Carbon monoxide levels were measured using a CO2 meter while the vehicle was running. The readings exceeded the meter’s maximum detectable level of 2,000 parts per million after only a few minutes.
For reference, the Byron Township Fire Department evacuates structures when carbon monoxide levels reach 35 parts per million, and must use their protective air masks when on scene.
This is a tragic loss of life, and our thoughts are with the family, friends, and others affected by this incident.
If anyone in our community is experiencing hardship and needs assistance, resources may be available by calling 211, which can help connect individuals with housing, health, and support services in Kent County.
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3/24/2026 at 4:40PM
BYRON TOWNSHIP, Mich: On March 24, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies responded to Maplewood Mobile Home Park for a report of two individuals inside a vehicle who were unresponsive.
Upon arrival, deputies located two deceased individuals inside a vehicle parked in a community lot with a strong exhaust smell. The individuals were identified as a 38-year-old female and a 16-year-old female. Both appeared to have been deceased for an extended period of time.
Preliminary investigation indicates the mother and daughter were temporarily sleeping in the vehicle due to a condition at their residence within the mobile home park.
Detectives examining the vehicle found the floorboards and exhaust system to be in poor condition. At this time, investigators believe the deaths may be the result of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. No foul play is suspected at this time.
The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and will conduct autopsies to determine the official cause and manner of death.
The investigation remains ongoing.
If you have information that could help to move the investigation forward, please call the KCSO at 616-632-6125, or submit a tip online at Kentcountymi.gov/tips
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