Mom Gives Warning After Nine-Year-Old Son Dies Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning On Lake Trip

Sep 29, 2020 by apost team

Going on vacation was intended to be a fun experience for the Free family in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, but towards the end of the day, something happened that would alter their lives forever.

Recently this summer, Andrew Brady, a nine-year-old boy perished upon a boat during his family's boating trip. During the trip, he was exposed to high concentrations of carbon monoxide and fell unconscious to never wake again. When the other children were tested, they were also found to have acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

It was the Free family's first trip to Lake Eufaula, as stated by Cassandra Free. Lake Eufaula is the largest lake within the eastern portion of the state. The family went along on the boating trip accompanied by friends who had plenty of boating experience.

The day was going well until something terrible occurred. Andrew Brady, the youngest child of the Free family at age nine, had fallen unconscious. Little Andrew never woke up and it was later revealed that this young child had perished due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is quite uncommon to hear of carbon monoxide poisoning occurring within boats, as it typically occurs within cars. Because of this, the family had no idea that such a thing was possible.

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Cassandra attempted to explain this further by referring to the "no-wake zone" of the lake, a region where boats must travel at slower speeds. Plenty of fun activities can be done in this zone, including wake surfing and tubing. In a lengthy Facebook post, she elaborates on what led to the demise of Andrew Brady.

The media portrays Andrew's death as a case of drowning, however, Cassandra claims that this was not the case. Andrew was located towards the back of the boat during the boat ride. When a boat is set in motion, a backdraft of the exhaust is created.

Carbon monoxide exits the back of the boat and enters right back in. Anyone who is located towards the back of the boat when this occurs could potentially develop carbon monoxide poisoning. While the boat was traveling through the "no-wake zone," Andrew was particularly susceptible to poisoning and had succumbed to the ailment.

This type of carbon monoxide poisoning is commonly called "open-air carbon monoxide poisoning," and can occur in other vehicles such as four-wheelers, writes Cassandra. When selling vehicles, boat manufacturers are not legally required to notify the public of any risks to human health.

The Free family has owned four boats over the years and as Cassandra recalls, they were never made aware of any health risks. She hopes that this unfortunate incident will not have gone in vain and will encourage the CDC to enforce regulations upon boat manufacturers.

During the boat ride, the parents had initially attributed Andrew's unusual demeanor to exhaustion and nausea. They were not aware that a majority of his symptoms, including chest pain, confusion, dizziness, weakness, and headaches were all directly related to carbon monoxide poisoning.

All of the children felt the same way and seemed thoroughly tired after the long trip, and so, the family decided to end the trip early. When they went to grab Andrew, they found that he would not wake up. The family later recalls that no matter what they had done differently, Andrew was already exposed to high concentrations of carbon monoxide and would not have recovered. When the other children were tested, they were also found to have acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

Speaking with NECN, Cassandra said: "Andy was supposed to grow up and save the world. He still can. He can never grow up, but he can still save the world. His name will forever be tied to the lives he saved. That has become my mission. To make sure that no mom stands in my shoes."

Before you head out on a boat, be sure to maintain your engines and educate yourself on the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. It may help in saving a life.

Have you ever heard of something like this occurring? Be sure to tell your friends in order to spread Cassandra Free's wish of raising awareness about this issue.