Man found dead in snow-covered car with engine running in Montreal’s Parc-Ex

A man found dead inside a snow-covered vehicle with the engine running may have suffered fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

A passerby called 911 at around 8:15 a.m. Tuesday to report a man who appeared to be unconscious in a car parked on Ball Avenue near Champagneur Avenue in Parc-Extension.

When emergency services arrived, they found the 57-year-old man in cardiac arrest and his vehicle was reportedly stuck in a snow bank, blocking the vehicle’s exhaust pipe. His death was confirmed in hospital.

Although authorities believe the cause is accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, other hypotheses are also being investigated. No marks of violence were found on the body. An autopsy is expected to be performed in the coming days.

Urgences-santé is reminding people to not leave their cars running when clearing snow, and to make sure they remove the snow build-up around exhaust pipes and all around vehicles before starting the engine.

“This prevents exhaust gases from accumulating under the vehicle and entering the passenger compartment in concentrations that can quickly become lethal,” writes Urgences-santé.

They also say to be careful when when shovelling as heart failure can occur. “Take regular breaks and stop if you feel exhausted.”