The Kentucky State Police is reporting that a Corbin woman, 61 year old Darlene G. Skinner Ragland, has passed away to what appears to be carbon monoxide poisoning.
Official Press Release
Corbin, Ky. (February 17, 2021)- On Tuesday, February 16, 2021 shortly after 12:00 PM, Kentucky State Police Post 11, London responded to assist local emergency services on a carbon monoxide poisoning call at a residence on Spring Cut Road in southern Laurel County.
The initial investigation revealed the home was without power due to the winter weather and the occupants of the residence had been using a fuel-operated generator to help operate a basement sump pump.
The victim, Darlene G. Skinner Ragland, 61 years old of Corbin, was transported by Laurel County EMS to Baptist Health in Corbin where she was subsequently pronounced deceased by the emergency room doctor. Her husband, Tony Ragland, and their grandchild were taken to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. They both have been treated and released.
No foul play is suspected in this investigation.
Trooper Jack Riley is continuing the death investigation. He was assisted by other Post 11 personnel, the Lily Fire Department, Laurel County EMS and the Whitley County Coroner’s Office.
The Whitley County Health Department posted the following guidelines on their Facebook page.
Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer – you can’t see or smell it. – Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors- Never use a gas oven for heating your home- Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open- Never run a car in a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open; always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car inside.- Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal – red, gray, black, or white – gives off CO.- Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
