A Massachusetts family tragically died on Christmas Day at their house in New Hampshire after reportedly suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities confirmed the identities of the deceased as Matthew Goldstein, 52, Lyla Goldstein, 54, Valeria Goldstein, 22, and Violet Goldstein, 19.
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Wakefield Police Department officers arrived at the Goldstein house at 4:21 p.m., on December 25. Reportedly, other family members requested a wellness check after the Goldsteins did not show up at a family event. Officers found the four bodies inside. New Hampshire's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed Matthew's cause of death as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities scheduled autopsies on December 26, but no further information regarding Lyla, Valeria, and Violet is available at the moment. Authorities suspect but do not confirm that the three died of carbon monoxide poisoning like Matthew.
The New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety shared a statement on December 27, sharing important details regarding their investigation. "During the preliminary investigation, it was learned that the victims were expected to attend a holiday event," the statement 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."
Authorities were unable to find any working carbon monoxide alarms at the Goldstein house, located at 2962 Province Lake Road.
A Tragedy
Neighbors were shocked to learn of the tragic passing of the Goldstein family. "We don't know what to say about it. It's so close to us," neighbor Ed Arcand told NBC Boston. "You go by that house all the time. Now this happens. We'll never be able to see it a different way anymore. Every time we drive by, we're going to be thinking of that."
Matthew Goldstein was an educator at Edith C. Baker, an elementary school in Brookline. The Brookline Public Schools Superintendent, Linus Guillory, shared a statement with PEOPLE. "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," the statement reads.
"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."
