Man Dies After Running Generator Inside Garage

A Pulaski County man likely died from carbon monoxide poisoning Monday afternoon after he ran a generator indoors without proper ventilation, according to reports.

James Willis, 68, of 2812 Linda Kay Drive, was pronounced dead at UAMS Medical Center after suspected carbon monoxide inhalation, according to Pulaski County Coroner Gerone Hobbs, who said Willis’ body was sent to the state Crime Laboratory for further examination.

Willis was found in his home shortly before 11:39 a.m. by his son, whose name the Pulaski County sheriff’s office redacted from its public report due to new department policies concerning the release of information tomedia.

Willis’ son said he went to the house to check on his father, who had told him the night before that he “had been running his generator indoors,all night,” reports said.

The generator was running in the garage, the report said, and Willis’ son told investigators that he’d warned Willis that he needed to keep his garage open to ventilate the house.

When Willis’ son arrived Monday to check on Willis, the garage door was shut and there were no open windows or doors.

When Pulaski County deputies arrived at Willis’ home, another unidentified witness was there performing CPR on Willis, who “was cold to the touch” and lacked a pulse.

According to reports, the carbon monoxide levels in the residence measured by fire fighters were “dangerously high.”

He was taken to UAMS where he was pronounced dead.

Two county firefighters, Willis’ son and the other unidentified witness were all taken to another hospital for possible exposure to carbon monoxide inhalation.

Northwest Arkansas, Pages 12 on 01/01/2013

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