Acushnet Father And Son Dead Of Apparent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

ACUSHNET (CBS) -- A father and son were found dead of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning Wednesday morning.

The Bristol County District Attorney's office said Joseph Lopes, 41, and Collin Lopes, 9, were found in a home on Buttonwood Lane in Acushnet.

Police said they received a call from the boy's mother, who is also the man's ex-wife, who was worried because she was unable to contact either of the victims.

They made well-being check on the home, and found the man's car in the driveway. They were also notified that Collin Lopes had not shown up that morning at Acushnet Elementary School.

When police and fire officials tried to enter, they found the CO levels were too high, and found the father and son dead inside.

"Carbon monoxide levels usually sound at 30 parts per million. These were in the thousands," said Acushnet Fire Chief Kevin Gallagher.

Officials confirmed the father and son were likely overcome as they slept

Crews remained at the home Wednesday night in protective suits because an unknown powdery substance was found inside.

Tests eventually determined the substance was a powder to combat bed bugs and hazmat teams were able to enter the home just after 5 p.m.

Once inside, crews will be able to determine if there were working carbon monoxide detectors in the house.

Two dogs were also found inside the home. One was dead, while the other was very ill, the Bristol DA's office said.

The State Fire Marshal's office is also responding.

Acushnet School District told WBZ-TV they're providing grief counselors to students and staff, and that their thoughts and prayers are with the victims' family and friends.

Devastated family and friends tried to comfort each other outside the home recalling the devoted father who coached his children's teams and was a devoted Dad.

"It wasn't supposed to happen like this. You're here one day and gone the next," said Jason Lopes, brother of the victim.

The Acushnet Fire Department said they don't suspect foul play or see the deaths as suspicious.

"I've still got to break it to my 10-year-old, which was best friends with Colin. It's going to be a tough situation," Timothy Sousa, the victim's cousin said.

According to Jason Lopes his brother was having trouble with the heating system, but officials will only say they are looking at all potential causes.