Yukon Mother Speaks Out After Son's Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning To Warn Others

 A Yukon mother is sharing her heartbreaking story to help prevent another family from experiencing the same loss. Patrice Brown's son, Christopher Cormeier, tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning on New Year's Eve. Now, Brown is raising awareness about the silent dangers of this odorless, colorless gas.

The 34-year-old single father worked in security and just opened a private investigation company with his mother. The two also shared a passion for motorcycle drag racing. Chris was power washing his natural stone shower at home—something he had done countless times before.

“He closed himself up in the room,” Patrice remembers. “I heard the power washer come on.”

After about an hour, Patrice went to check on him.

“I didn't hear anything, so I cracked the door, and I looked around and I saw Chris laying on the shower floor in the fetal position,” she said. “I'm slapping him in the face, 'Chris wake up, come back to me, Chris wake up!'”

Despite her efforts, Chris died later at the hospital. While there were no issues found with the home's gas fireplace or stove, Patrice believes the deadly gas may have come from the gasoline-powered power washer.

“I’m trying to figure out how to put one step in front of the other; missing him so much,” Patrice said.

Through her grief, Patrice is determined to warn others.

"I just don't want anyone to suffer, not behind something that could have been prevented," she said, urging families to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

Carbon monoxide is produced by various household sources, including unvented heaters, malfunctioning appliances, and small gasoline-powered engines such as lawnmowers and power washers. It can quickly build up in enclosed spaces, making detection difficult without proper safety measures like detectors.

Patrice hopes that sharing Christopher's story will help raise awareness about the importance of safety precautions.

"If Chris's passing saves one other person's life, I want to tell the story,” Patrice said. “I want to get it out to everyone to don't slack on safety.”

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, experts recommend:

1. Installing detectors on every level of your home
2. Never using appliances meant for outdoor use inside
3. Not idling vehicles in attached garages
4. Checking vehicle exhaust pipes to ensure they are not blocked

The family is taking donations to help pay for Chris’s funeral. Anything left will be placed in a trust for his young daughter. To donate, contact Temple & Sons Funeral Home at 405-427-8321.

For families like the Cormeiers, the tragic loss of a loved one can be a reminder of the vital role safety measures play in protecting lives. By spreading the word, Patrice hopes to prevent others from enduring a similar fate.