An 86-year-old DeSoto Parish man and at least one of his pets were found dead in their home as a brutal winter storm gripped the region, in what investigators suspect was a case of carbon monoxide poisoning linked to a portable generator running in the garage.
Local coverage identified the victim as Alvin Mayweather, 86, who was discovered at about 4:45 a.m. Monday. Family members told reporters he sang in the Mary Evergreen Baptist Church men's chorus and leaves behind twin daughters. According to the station, investigators found a generator in the garage and believe it was placed too close to the house, allowing carbon monoxide to seep into living areas. The report appeared in coverage by FOX 8.
The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning and said the case is the third winter storm-related fatality in the region, with two other deaths attributed to hypothermia in Caddo Parish. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, officials are urging anyone without reliable heat to use warming centers, and to check in on vulnerable neighbors who may be riding out the cold alone.
State health guidance stresses that carbon monoxide is colorless and can incapacitate people quickly, and the Louisiana Department of Health warns, “Never use portable generators indoors.” Federal guidance from FEMA recommends operating generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, and installing battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
Storm toll and local response
With widespread power outages and dangerous wind chills across Louisiana, state leaders have opened warming centers and urged residents to stay put overnight when necessary. As reported by WAFB, the Louisiana Department of Health said 76 warming centers were open statewide as of Monday, and officials asked neighbors to check on older adults and people with medical vulnerabilities who may be at higher risk in the cold.
Generator safety and carbon monoxide basics
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, and federal health agencies warn it can build up to dangerous levels within minutes when fuel-burning equipment is used inside or too close to a home. The NIOSH/CDC advises installing and regularly testing battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors, learning to recognize symptoms such as headache, dizziness or weakness, and getting to fresh air immediately if exposure is suspected.
Family members said Mayweather was active in the Mary Evergreen Baptist Church men's chorus and was closely involved with his twin daughters, while friends described him as engaged in the congregation. The community is now mourning his loss as officials use the tragedy to reinforce safe heating and generator practices during the ongoing cold snap, according to coverage by FOX 8.
