California Motel Shuttered After 2 Women Die in Same Room

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two women died in the same Eureka, California, motel room five days apart, and now the entire Lamplighter Inn facility is shut down. Police say they were first called to the motel on Feb. 21 for a report of two unconscious people in a room after a possible drug overdose, where a 37-year-old woman was pronounced dead and another person was hospitalized. On Feb. 26, officers responded to the same room for another two unconscious occupants, and this time a 36-year-old woman was found dead and the second person was hospitalized in critical condition. Fire personnel reported symptoms consistent with mild carbon monoxide exposure, and testing showed high levels of the gas in the room with no carbon monoxide detectors present.

Why it matters

The deaths at the Lamplighter Inn raise serious concerns about the safety and conditions of the motel, as well as the potential role of carbon monoxide poisoning. Motel safety and fire code compliance are important public health issues, especially in light of these tragic incidents.

The details

During the second call on Feb. 26, fire personnel who responded to the scene reported symptoms consistent with mild carbon monoxide exposure. Testing showed high levels of the gas in the room and no carbon monoxide detectors, according to authorities. The Lamplighter Inn has now been shut down entirely due to the carbon monoxide issue and other fire code violations discovered by inspectors.

• On Feb. 21, police were called to the Lamplighter Inn for a report of two unconscious people in a room after a possible drug overdose.
• On Feb. 26, police responded to the same room for another two unconscious occupants.

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the carbon monoxide leak and any other safety issues at the Lamplighter Inn. The motel will remain closed until the problems are addressed and it is deemed safe to reopen.