Family of 3 found dead inside home in Philadelphia's Holmesburg section identified
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A mother, father and daughter were found dead inside a home Thursday in Philadelphia's Holmesburg neighborhood, police said. A woman also was rushed to the hospital.
Authorities are calling this a suspected case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A call went out to firefighters to a home on the 4000 block of Ashburner Street at around 1 p.m. Thursday.
The family of the three who died identified the father as 56-year-old Jorge Cardona, the mother as 47-year-old Maricel Martinez and the 12-year-old daughter as Angelina Cardona.
Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy said firefighters also found a woman at the home and rushed her to the hospital. He said she is in stable condition.
The fire department and police received a call for a wellness check at the house from a school where one of the adults worked, Murphy said. When first responders arrived, they found the mother, father and child dead inside the home.
"An amazing father, I know that, and a great husband," Katrina Orame, a coworker of Jorge Cardona, said. "Our conversations about his daughter, wife. His daughter's birthday was Saturday, and they went to celebrate it, and we seen him Friday."
Carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected to be the cause of death, police said. Murphy claimed firefighters found high levels of carbon monoxide at the house when they arrived.
The fire commissioner said preliminary information suggests no foul play. The investigation is ongoing.
Both Philadelphia Gas Works and PECO were on the scene Thursday.
Saint Albert the Great School, where Angelina attended and Maricel taught, said in a message to its community, in part, "We will remember Mrs. Martinez as a gifted Spanish teacher, wonderful mother and true friend to our school community. Angelina, a proud member of this year's fifth grade class, will be remembered by many here as a bright, spirited and always smiling student who had a passion for drawing and reading."
As the family grieves the loss of their loved ones, neighbors also said they will be there for support.
"Pray for them and everyone around here," neighbor Babs MacMurray said, "and those neighbors will be right there for them. That's the way we are."
What is carbon monoxide and how to prevent it?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced when a fossil fuel is burned and can cause sudden illness and death, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
To prevent carbon monoxide exposure, homeowners should make sure their heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances are serviced by a quality technician each year.
Seek medical help immediately and call 911 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.
Carbon monoxide detectors are available at stores like Home Depot, Lowe's and other retailers.