Dry Ice May Have Caused Houston Couple's Death, Officials Say

    July 7, 2025
    Houston firefighters found the couple deceased in their wine cellar after they noticed a chemical smell in the home.

    Houston police believe a couple who was found dead in their wine cellar may have died after leaving dry ice out.

    Firefighters and police were called to the home in the River Oaks neighborhood after neighbors called 9-1-1.

    When firefighters went to investigate, they noticed a chemical smell and retrieved their SCBA, which allowed them to search the home where they found the man and woman deceased, according to Fox26Houston.com.

    “There was dry ice being stored in the wine cellar,” Police Lt. Larry Crowson told KHOU.com. “When dry ice melts, it turns into carbon dioxide (gas). Unfortunately, it appears the two people who went into the wine cellar were overcome."

    Investigators believe the couple were using the dry ice in their wine cellar when they were overcome.

    Before beginning their investigation, firefighters had to clear the carbon monoxide from the home with fans.

    Police said they do not suspect foul play in the incident. 

    About the Author

    Peter Matthews | Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director

    Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the Fort Worth, TX, Fire Department.        

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