DEARBORN, Mich. – Aubrie Morgan, a Dearborn teen, was found unresponsive inside her running car in a Royal Oak parking structure on Jan. 14 after carbon monoxide leaked into the vehicle from a cracked manifold on her car engine. She had been on her way to cosmetology school in Royal Oak.
“It was the longest hour of my whole life it felt like six hours trying to get to her,” said Olivia Morgan, Aubrie’s mother.
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Olivia Morgan, Aubrie’s mother, said she never imagined carbon monoxide could be a risk in an open parking structure or from a cracked manifold. She had associated the gas with enclosed spaces, like garages or space heaters.
“I went from 8 months ago planning a graduation party, to planning a funeral.”
Olivia Morgan said her grief has pushed her to act. She is calling for more public education on carbon monoxide symptoms and safety and is urging lawmakers to consider measures to prevent similar tragedies. She also said she plans to start a nonprofit in Aubrie’s honor.
“One of the first things I heard after Aubrie died was turn my pain into power, so that’s what I’m going to live by.”
Detectors and other safety devices are widely available online; prices vary by brand and features.