The toxic fumes that come out of a car exhaust can become fatal very quickly. After leaving his car running in an enclosed garage, Costas Triantafilos and his wife were rescued after they fell unconscious. Sadly, the restaurant owner didn't survive and died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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The pair were found in the home in Glen Arm, Maryland. Emergency services, responding to a report of cardiac arrest, found the two unconscious. As they entered their property, high levels of carbon monoxide were found inside.
They had left their car running in their garage, flooding the room with deadly carbon monoxide. This is a clear and often odorless gas. It is quickly lethal, owing to the reason we all need alarms in our homes. It first renders a person unconscious and then poisons them as they sleep.
Both 85-year-old Costas Triantafilos and his wife were rushed to hospital. His wife pulled through and is still recovering. However, the famed restaurant owner didn't make it. He died in the hospital.
Many Heartfelt Messages For Restaurant Owner
Costas Triantafilos owned and ran Baltimore's much loved Costas Inn. It was known for its crab and was regularly frequented by celebrities. The Greek immigrant had been running the restaurant since 1971, and had made quite the name for themselves.
"Once Upon a Time, two hard working Greek Immigrants, with a passion for people and food opened a restaurant which later became a pillar of the community," their son, Nick Triantafilos, said of his father. "He was not only the guiding force in our family and business but a source of strength, love, and inspiration to so many of us," he went on to say.
The restaurant and its well-loved owner had many regulars and fans. It wasn't just the food they came for either, it was the man himself. "It's not just a bar or restaurant, it is home to so many people. To his family, employees, friends, customers," one the staff said.
Carbon monoxide is known as 'the silent killer.' It is used in many household appliances such as cookers and heaters. If it is being used, it is always important to keep the room ventilated and have a carbon monoxide alarm close by.
