Man and Dog Found Dead in Mobile Vet Van in Queens

Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected after generator fumes entered vehicle

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:31pm

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A 57-year-old veterinarian and his dog were found dead inside a mobile veterinary van in Queens, New York. A 73-year-old man was also found unconscious outside the van, and authorities believe the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator that had its vents blocked by snow.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks of operating mobile medical services out of vehicles, especially in harsh winter conditions, and raises questions about the safety regulations and oversight of such businesses providing care to low-income pet owners.

The details

Police responded to a 911 call on Sunday morning and found the veterinarian, Ashraf Hussein, and his dog dead inside the Ford van parked on 65th Avenue in Flushing. The 73-year-old man found outside, Garo Alexanian, was taken to the hospital in stable condition after apparently falling and hitting his head. Investigators believe the generator's exhaust was blocked by snow, causing carbon monoxide to build up inside the van.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, February 2, 2026 around 9:25 a.m.
  • Mr. Hussein was last seen leaving for work on Saturday and never returned.

The players

Ashraf Hussein

A 57-year-old veterinarian who worked in the mobile van providing low-cost care to pets of low-income families.

Garo Alexanian

A 73-year-old resident who was found unconscious outside the van after apparently falling and hitting his head.

Low Cost Vet Mobile

The veterinary service that operated the mobile van where the incident occurred.

Companion Animal Network

A nonprofit organization that owned the vans and contracted with Vet Mobile to operate them.

Vet Mobile

The management company that operated the mobile veterinary vans for the Companion Animal Network.

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What they’re saying

“All the customers asked about him. 'Where is the Egyptian doctor? Where is the Egyptian doctor?'”

— Marwa Mansour, Widow of Ashraf Hussein (New York Times)

“I just feel that this could have been avoided if he would have operated out of an office and not a van. Lives could have been saved. Someone lost their animal today.”

— Shari Jenkins, Neighbor (New York Times)

What’s next

The police are investigating the cause of the carbon monoxide poisoning and whether the mobile veterinary business was properly licensed and inspected.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks of operating medical services out of vehicles, especially in harsh winter conditions, and the need for stronger regulations and oversight to ensure the safety of both patients and providers in mobile healthcare businesses serving vulnerable communities.