PHOTO: Matthew Goldstein, his wife Lyla and their daughters Valerie and Violet were found dead in a New Hampshire home on Christmas Day. Facebook Photo
A Newton couple and their adult daughters died in a New Hampshire home on Christmas Day after a suspected carbon monoxide exposure, according to New Hampshire Fire Marshall Sean Toomey.
Matthew Goldstein, a 52-year-old Newton resident and Brookline teacher, was found dead inside a Wakefield, N.H., home with his wife, Lyla, 54, and their daughters, Valerie, 22, and Violet, 19.
Police discovered the bodies on Wednesday after someone called requesting a wellness check.
“During the preliminary investigation, it was learned that the victims were expected to attend a holiday event,” a statement from Toomey’s office reads. “When they did not show up at the event, family members contacted local authorities and requested a welfare check, ultimately leading to the discovery of the victims. Additionally, no working carbon monoxide alarms have been found in the home.”
Investigators from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshall’s Office determined carbon monoxide to be a likely cause of death, and that was confirmed by an autopsy performed on Matthew Goldstein on Thursday. Autopsies on the rest of the victims are still pending.
Goldstein taught eighth grade at the Baker School in Brookline, where he led the school’s math league and an LGBTQ student support group, according to Brookline News.
“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,” Brookline Superintendent Linus Guillory said 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.”
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller shared her sorrow at the news Friday night.
“The hearts of people across Newton are broken by the tragic loss of our neighbors Matthew and Lyla Goldstein and their daughters Valerie and Violet who died of apparent carbon monoxide exposure in New Hampshire,” Fuller said. “I extend my deepest condolences to the Goldstein’s family, friends and neighbors. As we say as a measure of condolence in my Jewish faith – May the memory of Matthew, Lyla, Valerie and Violet be as a blessing.”
Fuller also cautioned residents to make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are working.
“Let’s all give an extra hug to our loved ones and keep the Goldstein family in our thoughts,” Fuller said.
Hundreds of Americans die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control, largely because it’s odorless.