RIVERTON, WY — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Riverton, Wyoming, as police and fire officials investigate a suspected carbon monoxide leak that claimed the lives of 62-year-old Khristy Kay Fritz, her 33-year-old daughter Amber Marie Fritz, and her 3-year-old grandson, Asher James Fritz, early Thursday morning. The three were discovered unresponsive inside their home on the 900 block of East Adams Avenue, where initial findings suggest a malfunctioning water heater may have leaked lethal levels of carbon monoxide (CO). The devastating incident highlights the risks associated with this silent killer and underscores the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and safety measures.
The discovery was made after one of the two women failed to appear for work, prompting a coworker to check on her at home. After receiving no response at the door and detecting a gas-like odor, the coworker immediately called 911. Riverton Police Chief Eric Hurtado and Riverton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jake Blumenshine confirmed that emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after the 911 call and were quickly alerted to dangerously high levels of CO.
Upon arrival, the responders, including Chief Blumenshine and two police officers, kicked in the front door to gain entry. A gas company employee who accompanied them measured a staggering carbon monoxide concentration of 1,200 parts per million (ppm) at the front door—an extremely hazardous level that can cause death within minutes. Chief Blumenshine, recalling the moment, instructed the responders to “get away from this thing,” underscoring the danger of the toxic environment. CO levels as low as 10 ppm can be tolerated only for eight hours in a typical workplace; thus, the recorded levels at the scene indicated extreme danger.
Blumenshine’s fire team proceeded with oxygen packs for protection against the lethal CO exposure as they entered the home. Inside, the team’s carbon monoxide monitor registered an astounding 2,000 ppm—over 200 times the tolerable concentration, making it the most severe CO leak the police chief had ever witnessed. Previously, the highest concentration he’d encountered was around 500 to 600 ppm, far below the levels found in this case.
Tragically, responders found that Khristy, Amber, and young Asher had already succumbed to the toxic gas by the time the emergency call was placed. Their pets—six in total, including both cats and dogs—were also found dead in the home, indicating the widespread effect of the CO leak throughout the enclosed space. Chief Blumenshine expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the surviving family members, including Amber’s sister-in-law Jessica Lee Fritz, who confirmed the victims’ identities on Friday.
Jessica Lee Fritz, speaking with Cowboy State Daily, shared her family’s grief at the loss of her sister-in-law, nephew, and mother-in-law. The emotional toll has been profound, as loved ones mourn a mother, grandmother, and child taken by a preventable accident that has sent shockwaves through the community.
Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is an odorless, colorless gas that results from incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Household appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are potential sources of CO if they malfunction or lack proper ventilation. In this case, the water heater is suspected as the primary source, although investigators are continuing their inquiry to confirm this theory and determine the exact circumstances that led to such an unusually high accumulation of the deadly gas.
As the investigation continues, both Chief Hurtado and Chief Blumenshine are prioritizing a public awareness campaign to educate Riverton residents about the dangers of CO and the critical importance of CO detectors in homes. The campaign, set to launch early next week, will focus on preventative measures, such as regular inspections of heating elements and gas-powered appliances, as well as proper installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon monoxide detectors, often available at a relatively low cost, are a crucial safety feature in any home that relies on gas appliances. Without such devices, families may be unaware of a CO buildup, especially while sleeping, when symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea may go unnoticed. In severe cases, as demonstrated in the Riverton incident, CO exposure can lead to fatal outcomes within minutes, especially in confined spaces where ventilation is poor.
Chief Blumenshine reflected on the tragedy’s impact, emphasizing the urgency of community awareness and prevention. “This is a tragic, preventable loss,” he stated. “Our hearts go out to the family, and we want to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
In addition to CO detectors, experts recommend regular appliance checks by licensed professionals, especially as winter approaches, when heaters and other gas-powered devices are in high demand. Blocked vents, leaky pipes, and aging equipment are potential hazards that can contribute to CO exposure. Riverton authorities are now urging residents to heed these precautions and ensure CO detectors are installed in central locations, particularly near sleeping areas.
Amber Marie Fritz, her mother Khristy Kay, and little Asher James will be remembered by their family and friends for their kind spirits and joyful presence. The community has rallied around the surviving family members, offering support in the wake of this tragedy.
As the investigation moves forward, officials hope to bring closure to the family and further educate the public on CO safety to honor the memory of the three victims
