December 15, 2023
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) continues the investigation into the death of an Evergreen State College (ESC) student. Jonathan Rodriguez (21 years-old from Dupont, WA) was found
deceased in a campus apartment Monday night. Two other students, a 20 year-old female and a 19 year-old female, were transported to local hospitals with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and have since
been released.
The Thurston County Coroner’s Office has confirmed to WSP that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death.
The investigation into the timeline and causes of this tragic incident remains ongoing. WSP has engaged an outside forensic engineering firm that specializes in carbon monoxide investigations. On-site investigation efforts have concluded and WSP will provide a detailed report to the public once all forensic analysis and off-site investigative efforts are complete. There is no set timeline for that release but it will occur as soon as all investigatory needs are satisfied.
WSP has provided officials at ESC with initial findings so college leaders can make the campus safety decisions they may deem necessary, as well as secure the incident scene for further study and investigation
if needed. Questions on the college’s public safety plans and efforts should be directed to college administration.
Carbon monoxide is the chemical produced from the incomplete burning of products or materials containing carbon. WSP would like to remind the public that carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in any enclosed space where situations such as inadequate ventilation, poor design, equipment misuse or equipment failure does not allow harmful gasses to escape. Poorly ventilated exhaust from cars, trucks, small engines, stoves grills, lanterns, hot water heaters, fireplaces, ranges or furnaces to name just a few, can be sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas has no taste, odor or color and some early symptoms of poisoning can mimic flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.
This can lead people to not recognize they are in real danger and have been exposed to carbon monoxide. If you are ever in a situation where you might have been exposed to carbon monoxide and are experiencing
any of these symptoms, get into fresh air immediately and seek medical care right away. Commonly available and affordable carbon monoxide detectors and alarms are thoughtful investments in personal
dwelling safety.
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