By Kathianne Boniello
An elderly Whitestone couple died Tuesday afternoon from carbon monoxide poisoning after they accidentally left their car running in the family garage beneath their house, police said.
The couple, both 72, had lived in the quiet neighborhood on 20th Road for 50 years, neighbors said. The victims were not identified by police.
Inspector Owen Monaghan of the 109th Precinct said the car engine was left on inside the garage for so long that the vehicle ran out of gas.
“It was an accident, there was no foul play,” Monaghan said. “The car was running in the garage and they were overcome by fumes in the house.”
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown described the incident as carbon monoxide poisoning.
“It’s just a sad, tragic accident,” he said.
Monaghan, who said the couple was found unconscious inside the home, said it was unclear whether a stroke suffered by the husband in recent months may have contributed to the couple’s leaving the car running.
The Whitestone deaths were the second from carbon monoxide poisoning in the metropolitan area this week. Published reports said a family of four in New Jersey died this weekend after being overcome by fumes from a faulty furnace.
Neighbors expressed shock at the news of the couple’s deaths.
“They were very sweet, very friendly,” neighbor Frank Giaimo said. “I’m shocked. They were very quiet, good people. Big hearted, very respectful.”
Another neighbor, Jim Brady, also praised the couple as family oriented.
“They were wonderful people,” he said.
One neighbor who asked not to be named said the couple “were good people — they raised their kids here.”
Neighbors said the couple’s daughter lived next door. Monaghan said it was the daughter who discovered her parents’ bodies this afternoon at about 3:30 p.m.
The incident sparked conversation among local residents about buying carbon monoxide detectors — devices that can set off a signal if the normally odorless and tasteless carbon monoxide is present.
The couple, Monaghan said, is survived by two daughters, a son and several grandchildren.
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 157.
