Acushnet Carbon Monoxide Leak: Father, Son Killed

ACUSHNET, MA — A father and his 9-year-old son were found dead in their home Wednesday morning from carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities said.

Joseph Lopes, 41, and Collin Lopes, 9, were found dead at about 10:30 a.m. as police and firefighters conducted a well-being check at their 3 Buttonwood Drive home. The boy's mother had called police because she was unable to contact the pair since Tuesday night, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn.

A dog was also found dead in the residence; another dog was found "very ill," Quinn said.

"Upon arrival at the home, police found nothing out of order and Mr. Lopes’ vehicle was in the driveway," Quinn said. "Police and fire officials made entry into the home ... and fire officials quickly determined that there were high levels of carbon monoxide present in the home. Both victims were found deceased inside the home."

The boy was a student at Acushnet Elementary School.

Fire officials are investigating the cause of the leak.

Photo: Patch/File