The sudden death of four people, including two children, in a remote B.C. community has left friends and loved ones in mourning.
Local media identified the victims as Harvey Volaine, his wife Melissa Penner, and their two boys, Kaylex, 10, and Ay, 7.
The family was found dead by RCMP Friday afternoon inside a home in Saranagati Village, a 1,600-acre Hare Krishna religious community in the Venables Valley, about 30 kilometres south of Ashcroft.
The B.C. Coroners Service said Monday that gaseous carbon monoxide is suspected to have killed four people in a home near Ashcroft.
It said foul play has been ruled out in the deaths of two adults and two children who were found deceased in their home on Friday.
Toxicology tests were underway and the coroners service said it expects the results this week.
An online fundraising page has been set up to announce the “sudden passing” of the family members.
“During this difficult time, the family will need help with the unexpected costs of funeral services for 4 people,” it said.
“All donations go directly to the Volaine family. They are extremely grateful for the [outpouring] of love and support.”
David Musterer, a member of the Venables Valley community, released a statement saying the deaths have deeply affected everyone in the area “beyond what words can convey.”
He said the community is beginning to come to terms with the “unfortunate incident” and asked for privacy as it grieves.
About two dozen families live in Saranagati Village, which has a temple and a school. The village was founded in the 1980s by devotees. Families live off the land and off the grid, with water from local creeks and electricity from solar panels, generators or hydro systems, according to its website.
Ashcroft RCMP discovered the bodies on Friday afternoon after officers responded to a request for a “well-being check” at the home.
The coroners service did not identify the source of the carbon monoxide, but said it is produced during the burning of any fossil fuel such as wood, gasoline, natural or propane gas.
It said the use of a carbon monoxide detector is a reliable method of early detection of the gas in a home, but does not replace the need for regular, qualified servicing of gas appliances and wood-burning stoves.
— With a file from CP
