Who was Felecia Richey? Pregnant mom and her two sons die of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning inside camper
KANSAS, MISSOURI: On Saturday, September 16, Kansas resident Felecia Richey, a pregnant woman, and her two children, Tysin and Bentley, aged 10 and 13, were found dead in a camper near a Kansas motocross track, resulting from a possible carbon monoxide leak.
The McPherson County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook to note that deputies had responded to a complaint of "three deceased persons in a camper" at the Inman Motocross course.
As per Fox News, the sheriff's office stated, "This tragedy is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the Inman Police Dept," about the proceedings.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning happens when people inhale an excess of the odorless and colorless gas carbon monoxide (CO), which can be lethal.
The CDC also states that people who are asleep or intoxicated may die from inhaling the gas before exhibiting symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and amnesia that usually point to CO poisoning.
As per Mayo Clinic, carbon monoxide poisoning develops when the gas accumulates in the blood, possibly resulting in death or severe tissue damage.
That's because the body converts oxygen in red blood cells to carbon monoxide when the air contains an excessive amount of carbon monoxide, with the process accelerating in a confined space.
Notably, carbon monoxide is produced when fuels, such as gas, wood, propane, or charcoal, are burned and can build up to deadly amounts in appliances and engines with poor ventilation.
Anyone who has been exposed to carbon monoxide ought to get fresh air as soon as possible, along with seeking medical attention.
GoFundMe page created to support family of Felecia Richey and her two sons
A GoFundMe page was set up by a loved one in order to receive financial aid for the funeral of Felecia Richey and her two young sons.
The fundraiser page read, "Today we received news that our dear family friend Jason Richey lost his wife and 2 children suddenly to carbon monoxide poisoning this morning."
It further said, "Jason and Felicia were also expecting a new little one. We are asking for your prayers, support, and love as he and his 3-year-old son navigate through this devastating time."
The organizer added, "We are asking for your help with removing the stress from the family on the cost of arranging their 3 funerals and time away from work to grieve."
Jason, the husband and father of the victims, confirmed to ABC affiliate KAKE that a second GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist with funeral costs.
Both fundraising events had already brought in close to $45,000 by early Monday, September 18 afternoon.
Loved ones pay tributes to Felecia Richey and her children
Friends and family members paid tribute to the deceased Felecia Richey and her two children, Tysin and Bentle, through social media.
Felecia's husband Jason took to Facebook to write, "Felecia Faye Richey I love you so much baby girl I miss you and the boys beyond words this just aint real baby I need my family back so bad I love you all miss you so damn much!!!"
A friend named Cade Klassen wrote, "Sometimes the question “why them” comes about in our lives….I have known you for many years, between some wild crazy parties back in the day, to rocking it out at brewskies with your dad up on the stage all the way to my wedding day."
They added, "Felecia Faye Richey you will be missed my friend….please lord watch over her family and loved ones and those two sweet boys of yours may they rest peacefully. My heart is broken for your family in this difficult time. This isn’t goodbye but until next time!"
Another friend wrote, "This is extremely devastating, I grew up right next door to this family for almost 10 years. They were the sweetest boys and Felecia Faye Richey was the sweetest and kindest mother. May her and her boys rest in peace. Prayers to the family as well."
"Oh Felecia Faye Richey girl I pray they find all the answers my heart goes out to everyone grieving this tragedy R.I.P to you and your sweet babies," expressed one person.
"Family with ties to Peabody in need of support and prayers. My heart breaks for Kipton R. Pohlman and Felecia Faye Richey husband and all friends and family that have been touched by this unthinkable tragedy," reads yet one more tribute.
A person named Chelsey Diane Henry wrote, "Just scrolling through photos and finding more photos of the boys and Felecia Faye Richey my heart aches so bad for Jason Richey and the family
One of her favorite things to do was to be at the track and support her 3 boys and photograph them as well as everyone else."
"I am going to miss your BEAUTIFUL smile and contagious laugh She was such an amazing person and mama And Carson Henry s background on his phone hit me hard Carson sure is going to miss his best friends . Continued prayers We miss you three so so much," added the person.