2 found dead at Holbrook business, apparently from carbon monoxide poisoning

HOLBROOK. N.Y. (WABC) -- Police are investigating after two men were found dead inside a business, possibly from carbon monoxide poisoning.

On Thursday evening, police found the body of Porfiro Alvarez, 54, of Freeport, inside his Holbrook business, Super Auto Detail, lying next to his 1989 GMC van, which was running. The vehicle's ignition was on, the heat was set on high and it appears that it had run out of gas.

Alvarez's relatives had gone to his business but couldn't get in because it was locked. They had not heard from him since Tuesday.

Jose Rufino Gonzalez, 25, of Bellport, who worked for Alvarez was also found dead, lying on a mattress in the back of the van.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, it appears that Alvarez and Gonzalez, who occasionally slept at the business, were overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from the van.