A YOUNG woman who was found dead with her family on Christmas Day morning from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning had just begun her teaching career.
Valerie Goldstein, 22, tragically died along with her sister Violet, 19, and their parents Matthew, 52, and Lyla, 54, at a home in Wakefield, New Hampshire.
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Brookline Public Schools in Massachusetts identified Matthew as a teacher in a moving tribute before the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed his wife and daughters were also victims.
The U.S. Sun can now reveal Valerie graduated from Syracuse University in New York.
She had relocated to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and was working as a fifth-grade teacher for Edgecombe County Public Schools with Teach for America.
Just a few days before the tragedy at her parent’s property, she wrote on LinkedIn: “Finished my first semester of teaching and also completed my first course towards getting my educator’s license!”
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Four months ago, she shared a photograph of herself smiling in the classroom.
“Today was my first day of school as an educator!” she wrote.
“It was definitely no walk in the park, but it was wonderful to meet all my fifth graders, and I am excited for the rest of the year!”
One director from her former university wrote on her page: “I am so excited for you, Valerie, and your students are so lucky to have you!!!”
Valerie also wrote about her education on LinkedIn, telling followers: “This weekend, I graduated from the Syracuse University – Maxwell School with a 4.0 GPA and three years of memories and experiences that will prepare me for the next chapters of my life.“
‘DEEPLY HEARTBROKEN’
Valerie followed in her dad’s footsteps as a teacher, while her mom reportedly worked for Microsoft for 15 years.
“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.”
The youngest daughter, Violet, was studying at the Rhode Island School of Design.
“This is an unimaginable loss for Violet’s loved ones, friends, faculty, peers, and all of us in the RISD community, and we are currently reaching out to Violet’s closest friends,” the school said.
“As we process and mourn this tragedy, please take comfort in your loved ones and keep Violet and her family in your thoughts.”
The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Matthew’s cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.
The cause and manner of death of the rest of the family remains pending at this time.
New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said family members called police on Wednesday for a welfare check when the Goldsteins failed to show up for Christmas Day celebrations.
Cops arrived at the home, first bought in 2017 for $430,000, just after 4:20 pm and found all four adults dead.
Investigators said there were no carbon monoxide detectors at the property.
During a press conference, Toomey said, “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.
“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.”
SILENT KILLER
Toomey said the deaths appeared accidental but stressed the importance of having functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas known as the “invisible killer” that can be produced by fuel-burning appliances or fallen soot in a fireplace, according to the US Fire Administration.
“CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly,” the administration said.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are described as flu-like and commonly include headaches, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 400 Americans yearly and sends more than 100,000 to the emergency room, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC recommends: “Install battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
“Check CO detector batteries when you change them on your clocks each spring and fall to be sure they are functioning properly.
“Replace your CO detector following the manufacturer’s instructions or every 5 years.
“Set a reminder on your smartphone or other device calendar when you purchase and install the detector.”
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