A FAMILY of four tragically found dead in a vacation home on Christmas Day has been pictured.
The bodies of beloved eighth-grade teacher Matthew Goldstein, 52, his wife Lyla, 54, and their two daughters, Valerie, 22, and Violet, 19, were discovered after an apparent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Matthew’s cause of death was found to be carbon monoxide poisoning, while the cause and death of the other three are still pending.
Family members called police after the four didn’t arrive as expected for a Christmas dinner.
They were found dead inside a house in Wakefield, New Hampshire, just after 4:20 pm.
Investigators said there were no carbon monoxide detectors inside the house.
Tributes have been paid to Matthew, who was a teacher at Brookline Public Schools outside Boston.
“We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mr. Matt Goldstein, an exceptional educator and a beloved member of our PSB and Baker School Community,” Brookline Public Schools Superintendent Linus Guillory said in a statement on Thursday.
“Mr. Goldstein’s dedication to inspiring students and shaping young minds has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Goldstein taught eighth-grade math and health and led the math league and the school’s LGBTQ+ student support group.
He was also a member of the Newton Theater Company and performed in several community productions, the company’s founder said.
Lyla Goldstein had worked at Microsoft for the past 15 years, according to family sources.
New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey spoke out following the news.
“It’s a terribly tragic event. It comes in a year we’ve had a tough year in general for carbon monoxide deaths and fire fatalities in our state,” he said.
“I really hope to make it through the holidays without another death.
“And unfortunately, I’m standing before you today with four more deaths that appear to be carbon monoxide-related.”
Common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Faulty boilers, cookers and heaters
- Faulty air conditioning units
- Blocked car exhausts
- Blocked chimneys
- Burning fuel in an enclosed space (e.g. running a car or using a BBQ inside a garage)
- Paint fumes
- Smoking shisha pipes indoors
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that kills more than 400 Americans per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Toomey added that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to the flu, making them harder to recognize around this time of year.
Neighbors have spoken out about their shock over the news.
“It’s just, my deepest sympathy,” one neighbor told local ABC affiliate WMUR.
“You know, it’s a terrible tragedy. How can you not feel anything?
“It’s so sad, especially around the holidays.”
