WADE, ME — Two people were found dead inside a Wade home Tuesday morning after what authorities believe was accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
Maine State Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to a residence on N. Wade Road at about 11:15 a.m. for a welfare check and found both occupants deceased.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the home’s furnace exhaust pipe had been improperly installed and had become disconnected, allowing exhaust fumes to fill the residence.
The victims were identified as Brian Merchant, 64, and Laurie Ridgway, 56, both of Wade.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta will conduct autopsies to confirm the cause of death.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to install working carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, and to have heating systems inspected regularly.
No additional information has been released.
