Neighbors called 911 a little before 7 p.m. When firefighters arrived, they found the couple, who may have been overcome by carbon dioxide gas.
HOUSTON — A man and woman were found dead in the wine cellar of a River Oaks-area home Friday, according to the Houston Police Department. Dry ice may have led to their deaths.
The married couple was found inside the home on Avalon Place, which is near the intersection of San Felipe and River Oaks Boulevard. Neighbors were the ones to call 911 just before 7 p.m. When Houston firefighters arrived, they found the man and woman, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities believe the man and woman were handling dry ice in the wine cellar, possibly for a party or gathering. Authorities said it was that dry ice that led to a chemical reaction that was fatal.
“There was dry ice being stored in the wine cellar,” said Lt. Larry Crowson with the Houston Police Department. “When dry ice melts, it turns into carbon dioxide (gas). Unfortunately, it appears the two people who went into the wine cellar were overcome.”
The carbon dioxide gas will have to be cleared out before the medical examiner can go in. We were told there was also a cat inside the home that did survive.
No foul play is suspected. At this point, we don’t know the identities of the man and woman.