A tragic incident has come to light as parents disclose the cause behind their daughter’s untimely death—an unforeseen carbon monoxide leak while she was inside her stationary vehicle.
Eighteen-year-old Aubrie Morgan lost her life in a Royal Oak, Michigan parking garage on January 14, amidst chilling temperatures that dropped to -20°F.
Balancing her studies in cosmetology with a part-time waitressing job, Aubrie’s absence after her shift raised alarms for her stepmother, Olivia, according to a report by WJBK.
Concerned, Olivia traced Aubrie’s phone to a parking structure near the restaurant and subsequently contacted the establishment, requesting that someone check on her well-being.
Upon inspection, Aubrie’s manager discovered her unresponsive in her idling car. Attempts to wake her by tapping on the window proved futile, prompting the manager to open the driver’s door, only to find Aubrie had stopped breathing, leading to an immediate 911 call.
Emergency responders swiftly transported her to a local hospital. Sadly, despite their efforts, Aubrie was declared dead on arrival, with initial medical assessments pointing to a possible brain aneurysm as the cause.
It wasn’t until police hoisted her 2010 sedan up onto a lift that they noticed the small crack on her engine’s manifold.
The crack allowed exhaust gases to leak inside Aubrie’s vehicle, which investigators say led to her death by the so-called silent killer of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Aubrie Morgan, 18, died while sitting in her running car in a parking garage in Royal Oak, Michigan on January 14
She graduated from high school last year and was pursuing a career in cosmetology, which her parents say she had a ‘big passion’ for
‘I never knew that you could just be driving your vehicle and have a carbon monoxide leak and not know it, because it’s odorless,’ Olivia told the outlet.
‘There’s no signs for it, and the signs present as a lot of other things.’
Aubrie’s heartbroken parents are now urging other drivers, especially those with older cars, to keep a portable carbon monoxide detector in their vehicle.
They also plan to start a nonprofit organization in Aubrie’s name that will focus on raising awareness about the Carbon Monoxide exposure in cars, Today reported.
The Morgan family is also advocating for stronger vehicle safety measures in hopes of preventing further deaths.
‘If sharing her story saves even one life, then Aubrie is still helping people,’ Olivia added.
Carbon monoxide poisoning claims the lives of more than 400 Americans each year and sickens over 100,000 others, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows.
Carbon monoxide has no odor, taste, or color, and is produced when fossil fuels burn without enough oxygen.
Aubrie died from Carbon Monoxide poisoning caused by a small crack on her engine’s manifold, investigators said
Aubrie’s loved ones say she is remembered for her kindness towards others
Inhaling car or lawnmower exhaust is a leading cause. But people are also vulnerable to poisoning in the safety of their homes, especially if they live in smaller spaces.
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning often first present as flu-like symptoms including headache, weakness, upset stomach, and vomiting.
Early symptoms can also be confused for signs of food poisoning.
Aubrie graduated high school last year. She had a ‘big passion for cosmetology’ and was continuing her education at a local beauty school.
While in high school she played field hockey and dedicated her time to helping students with special needs.
Her loved ones say she is remembered for her empathic personality and kindness towards others.
‘She constantly went out of her way for everybody,’ Olivia added. ‘Forgiveness was huge in her heart.’
