Police: Carbon monoxide suspected in 3 deaths at Boone hotel

BOONE, N.C. — Boone authorities are continuing to investigate the death of an 11-year-old boy in a Boone hotel room.

Rock Hill resident Jeannie Williams, 49, and her son, Jeffrey, stayed at the Best Western on East King Street on Friday night. An employee went to check on them early Saturday and found them unresponsive.

Boone police said elevated levels of carbon monoxide were found in the room. Officials said an autopsy was performed on the 11-year-old boy and preliminary reports indicate he died from asphyxiation.

First responders declared Jeffrey dead and rushed his mother to a local hospital. Family members said they are positive about her chances for recovery. They said she is beginning to wake up.

Investigators said an elderly couple died in the same room in April, but they do not know if the deaths are connected. Boone police have requested the toxicology and autopsy results from the deaths of Daryl Jenkins, 73, and Shirley Jenkins, 72, of Longview, Wash. Boone police said it was determined the couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Best Western evacuated its hotel and moved occupants to nearby hotels as a precaution Saturday. The hotel remains closed and under the control of investigators.

Members of the N.C. State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors will be in Boone on Wednesday to help investigators.

Williams and her son were staying in the hotel overnight because they planned to pick up the boy's sister from camp on Saturday.

Best Western in Boone released the following statement: "The health and safety of guests who stay at our hotel is our number one priority. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved. We are cooperating fully with authorities who are investigating this truly tragic incident. The hotel will remain closed as we work closely with authorities to address any issues identified and authorities declare the hotel cleared for occupancy. We respectfully ask that any further questions be directed to the Boone Police Department or other governmental agencies that are investigating the matter."

WSOC