Candace McAllister, 36, and her four grandchildren — Liberty Coleman, 4, Legacy Coleman, 4, Storm Coleman, 3, and Stone Coleman, 2 — died after being exposed to carbon monoxide inside a vehicle in Toledo, Ohio. The incident occurred when McAllister's SUV suffered a flat tire, prompting her to pull over and call her son for assistance.
Details of the Incident
According to authorities, McAllister was driving her grandchildren when the Ford Explorer had a flat tire. She stopped and called her son, the children's father, for help. When he arrived, he found all five occupants unresponsive inside the vehicle with the engine running and called emergency services. Investigators later determined that carbon monoxide levels inside the cabin had reached five times the lethal limit.
Three of the children and their grandmother died shortly after being found or after being rushed to the hospital. Legacy Coleman was placed on life support but died on July 17. The Toledo Police Department and fire officials confirmed no evidence of foul play, treating the incident as a mechanical accident.
Investigation and Findings
Authorities impounded the vehicle for testing. Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong stated that investigators started the vehicle with doors closed and a meter inside, which showed a high spike of carbon monoxide in the passenger compartment. "They're going to have to do some further investigation to see if they can identify how that happens," Armstrong said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cause for public safety.
Toledo Police spokesperson Sgt. Mohamad Nasser said, "Our thoughts continue to be with the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking tragedy." Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz added, "Our hearts are with this family as they face an unimaginable loss... We also extend our gratitude to the first responders, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers who responded swiftly."
Family's Grief
The children's mother, Adriana Coleman, spoke to WTVG about her loss: "Everything I did was for my kids. It seems so surreal now because life has stopped for me right now. I'm here, but I have no idea what's going to happen after I walk out these hospital doors. I just want my babies." She described her children as having "so much personality in life and were so full of love."
The tragedy highlights the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from vehicle exhaust, especially when engines run while stationary. Authorities continue to investigate the mechanical cause of the incident.
