An 18-year-old woman was found dead inside her vehicle in a parking garage in Royal Oak, Michigan after authorities say she died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to reports, the woman was discovered Jan. 14 by a manager from the restaurant where she worked. The manager found her inside her car in a parking structure and noticed she was not breathing.
Emergency responders arrived and pronounced the woman dead at the scene.
Investigators said the vehicle had a small crack in the engine’s manifold, which caused a carbon monoxide leak inside the car.
The woman had recently graduated high school and was enrolled in cosmetology school. Her family said she was on her way to class the day she died.
Her mother said she hopes sharing her daughter’s story will raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“As a parent it’s your absolute worst nightmare,” the woman’s mother said while urging others to be aware of the risks associated with the colorless, odorless gas.