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by Megan Brugger & Cristian Sida, KUTV
Three disabled patients were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning inside a car that had been left running in a garage. (Photo: KUTV)
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (KUTV) — Three disabled patients were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning inside a car that had been left running in a garage.
A spokesperson for the West Valley City Police Department said an employee of a service that provides transportation for disabled adults was transporting three men when he stopped at his home near 2730 South High Park Way.
He left the men inside the parked vehicle with the engine running for about "one to two hours."
When he returned, the men were dead.
As of approximately 5:35 p.m., the employee was being interviewed by officials and the investigation remained ongoing.
Nate Crippes, supervising attorney with the Disability Law Center, called the incident "horrific and tragic."
“I’m incredibly sad to hear about this,” Crippes said.
Crippes explained that people with disabilities can be at greater risk in such situations.
“People with disabilities are certainly more likely to be abused or neglected,” he said.
When asked whether current laws and regulations protect people with disabilities, Crippes said there are some great laws and regulations.
“When it comes to the oversight of some facilities and places where people with disabilities live and receive services, I think there are some problems, some things that need to be improved there,” he said.
He also offered guidance for families and community members concerned about safety in disability services or care settings.
“If you have concerns about the health and safety of a particular disability service provider, knowing where they’re licensed, I think, is important,” Crippes said.
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2026 Sinclair, Inc.
