Four people are dead, including two young kids, due to possible carbon monoxide poisoning, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said.
On Jan. 1, CCSO responded to a home in Parks after a family friend contacted the sheriff’s office for a welfare check. According to the person, family members had become concerned after they were unable to get ahold of the family for several days.
When deputies arrived at the home a strong gas odor was smelled, officials said. Before entering the home, fire officials put on protective breathing equipment and found four people dead inside.
On Jan. 2nd, investigators hired a licensed heating and cooling provider to inspect the heating system of the cabin. The contractor found a major failure in the heating system, which would be consistent with carbon monoxide overcoming cabin, officials say.
The El Mirage family has been identified as 32-year-old Anthony Capitano, 32-year-old Meaghan Capitano, 4-year-old Lincoln Capitano and 3-year-old Kingsley Capitano.
Family friend, Daniel Matock, told ABC15 that Anthony Capitano was a teriffc friend and family man.
"He loved football, he loved his family, he loved his children," said Matock. "He's just a great example to follow."
Matock says he had remained close with the family after he and Anthony roomed together after high school.
"Anybody he and Meaghan met, their lives were touched," said Matock.
According to friends, the victims were avid Cardinals fans and enjoyed the outdoors.
While the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office is still working to determine an official cause and manner of death, sheriff's officials told ABC15 there were no carbon monoxide detectors inside the cabin.
"The hardest part is I want to be angry at something and there's just nothing to be angry at," said Matock. "It's just one of those hopeless situations."
Family and friends have set up a Chase bank account to help the child who was not at the cabin at the time of the incident. If you'd like to donate, the account is set up under the Capitano family #252237729. They're requesting personal checks; no cash.
