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Mass. teacher and family dead from apparent carbon monoxide exposure in N.H. on Christmas Day
Officials say Matthew Goldstein died of carbon monoxide poisoning. A cause of death for his wife and daughters is still pending.
A Massachusetts teacher and his family have been identified as the individuals found dead inside a Wakefield, New Hampshire, home on Wednesday due to suspected carbon monoxide exposure.
State fire officials identified the victims as Matthew Goldstein, 52; Lyla Goldstein, 54; Valerie Goldstein, 22; and Violet Goldstein, 19. The family lived in Newton, Massachusetts, and Matthew Goldstein worked as a teacher at the Baker School in nearby Brookline.
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“We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mr. Matt Goldstein, an exceptional educator and a beloved member of our PSB and Baker School Community,” said Public Schools of Brookline Superintendent Linus J. Guillory in a statement. “Mr. Goldstein’s dedication to inspiring students and shaping young minds has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
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The Wakefield Police Department responded to 2962 Province Lake Road for a welfare check at 4:21 p.m. Wednesday, according to a release issued by the New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety.
“The victims were expected to attend a holiday event. When they did not show up at the event, family members contacted local authorities and requested a welfare check,” said a spokesperson for the New Hampshire Department of Safety in an email to Boston.com.
Officers arrived to find the family deceased. The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined Matthew Goldstein died of carbon monoxide poisoning, though his manner of death is still pending, fire officials said Friday. The cause and manner of death for his wife and daughters are also pending.
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Property records show the Goldsteins owned the New Hampshire home.
“Efforts to determine the cause of the suspected carbon monoxide leak remain active and ongoing, and investigators are continuing to inspect the home’s gas heating system,” the New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety said, noting authorities found no working carbon monoxide alarms in the home.
According to Brookline Educators Union President Justin Brown, Matthew Goldstein was an eighth grade math and health teacher who also led the school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance and math league.
“The Brookline Educators Union is deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of one its members, Matt Goldstein, and his wife and daughters,” Brown said in a statement, adding, “The union extends its deepest condolences to Matt’s extended family members and the educators, students, families and other caregivers who are part of the Baker community.”
Guillory added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and students during this profoundly difficult time. We are committed to providing the support and resources needed for the Baker School Community as we grieve this tremendous loss together.”
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