Authorities say carbon monoxide poisoning caused the death of one of two people found inside a vehicle at Eastwoods Park last week, while the investigation into the second death remains pending.
The North Canton Police Department released an update Thursday on the investigation that began June 28 at Eastwoods Park after two people were found inside a vehicle.
Following notification of family members, police identified the deceased as Erin Lewis, 22, of North Canton, and Malachi Dobbins, 24, of Urbancrest.
Investigators said the North Canton Police Department and the Stark County Coroner’s Office have found no evidence of foul play, violence or any intentional act connected to the deaths.
According to the Stark County Coroner’s Office, Dobbins died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The cause and manner of Lewis’ death remain under investigation. Police said testing and analysis are ongoing, but investigators have found no evidence suggesting her death resulted from circumstances different from those identified during the investigation.
During the initial response, officers found that the 2004 Honda CR-V owned by Dobbins was still running. Responders also observed signs consistent with an exhaust system problem.
The Canton Fire Department later detected carbon monoxide inside the vehicle at levels that significantly exceeded what is considered safe.
Police said the investigation remains under the authority of the Stark County Coroner’s Office, but all information gathered so far indicates the incident was a tragic accident and not a criminal matter.
Addressing questions from the public, investigators noted that carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can accumulate inside a vehicle if the exhaust system is damaged, leaking or otherwise fails to direct exhaust away from the passenger compartment. Police said certain mechanical failures can create dangerous conditions for occupants even when a vehicle is outdoors.
Authorities said no additional information is expected to be released unless new findings become available through the Stark County Coroner’s Office.
