Two Women Found Dead in Eureka Motel Room

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Two women were found dead a week apart in the same room at a motel in Eureka, California. In each case, one woman was found deceased and her companion was taken to the hospital. The motel has been ordered closed until the heating and ventilation systems are inspected and carbon monoxide detectors are installed.

Why it matters

The deaths raise concerns about potential carbon monoxide poisoning at the motel and the need for proper safety measures to protect guests. The incidents also highlight the importance of investigating all suspicious deaths thoroughly, even if they are initially suspected to be drug-related.

The details

Police responded to reports of two unconscious women in a room at the Lamplighter Inn in Eureka on February 21 and February 26. In each case, one woman was found dead and the other was taken to the hospital, with the second woman reported to be in critical condition. During the second incident, fire personnel on the scene displayed signs of carbon monoxide exposure, and a monitoring device registered elevated levels of the toxic gas. The room did not have a carbon monoxide detector.

• The first incident occurred on February 21, 2026.
• The second incident occurred on February 26, 2026.
• On March 3, 2026, the motel was ordered by Eureka's code enforcement division to remain closed until the heating and ventilation systems of all rooms had been inspected and carbon monoxide detectors installed.

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the deaths is ongoing, and the motel will remain closed until safety measures are implemented.