Tragic Loss of Life in Kent County Mobile Home Park

Two people were found dead Tuesday afternoon inside a vehicle parked in a mobile home park in southern Kent County, according to the Kent County Sheriff's Office.

The unresponsive woman and teenage girl were reported by neighbors in the Maplewood Mobile Home Park off Division Avenue around 2:30 p.m. on March 24, said the Kent County Sheriff's Office.

The 38-year-old and 16-year-old were mother and daughter, according to Sergeant Scott Dietrich. The pair was found in a vehicle parked outside a home in the park.

Investigators believe carbon monoxide poisoning contributed to their deaths.

Based on security camera footage, detectives determined the vehicle arrived in the park around 3 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The mother and daughter were using the car to sleep in, due to an issue with their home, said the sheriff's office.

Investigators suspect this could be a case of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, noting the vehicle's floorboards and exhaust system were in poor condition.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide (CO) builds up in your bloodstream. When you breath in too much CO, your body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with CO, which can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death.

Medical Examiner Confirms Cause of Death

The Kent County Medical Examiner's Office has now confirmed that 38-year-old Nicole Marie Moore and her 16-year-old daughter, Kyli Grace Dodge, died from accidental carbon monoxide asphyxiation.

An investigation of the incident by Kent County detectives and the Byron Township Fire Department found that carbon monoxide levels exceeded the meter's detectable level of 2,000 parts per million after only a few minutes of running the SUV.

For reference, the Byron Township Fire Department said they evacuate structures when carbon monoxide levels reach 35 parts per million.

13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with family members of the two victims, and learned that they were aware of the exhaust on the SUV not working correctly.

The SUV's floorboards were also said to be in poor condition.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel according to the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Improperly ventilated appliances and engines, particularly in a tightly sealed or enclosed space, may allow CO to accumulate to dangerous levels.

Family Statement and Ongoing Investigation

Bobby and Linda Fillipo, Nicole's grandparents and Kyli's great-grandparents, said they had both just gotten back to the Fillipo's home early that morning, after a car trip.

"She came in about, probably about three or four, from Tennessee," Bobby remembered. "She went down to see her new boyfriend."

But soon after coming home to the Fillipo's, Nicole and Kyli went back out into Nicole's SUV.

At some point later, they turned it on.

"They just got tired and went and laid back and I guess they went to sleep, because of the carbon [monoxide] coming in," Bobby said.

The Filippos say that now, their top priority is to make sure everything is provided for Nicole's surviving children.

"This is a tragic loss of life, and our thoughts are with the family, friends, and others affected by this incident," The Kent County Sheriff's Office said in a release.

If anyone in our community is experiencing hardship and needs assistance, resources may be available by calling 211, which can help connect individuals with housing, health, and support services in Kent County.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide (CO) builds up in your bloodstream. When you breath in too much CO, your body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with CO, which can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death.

When carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream, poisoning occurs. This poisoning can lead to tissue damage or death.

Anyone with information on this situation is encouraged to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office at (616) 632-6125.