4 dead in apparent carbon monoxide poisoning in Floral Park, Queens

FLORAL PARK (WABC) -- Four elderly people were found dead in a Queens home on Friday in an apparent carbon monoxide poisoning after a car was left running in an attached garage, police said.

The car, a late model Buick, was inside the garage under the home on 86th Avenue.

The victims were 83-year old Jerry Hugel; his wife, Marie, 80; a tenant, Gloria Greco, 70; and a guest, 76-year old Walter Vonthadden

76 of White Stone, N.Y.

The couple were the parents of Robert Hugel, an NYPD sergeant with the technical assistance and response unit.

After not hearing from them for a long time, he came to the home and found them unresponsive. The FDNY responded after a report of elevated carbon monoxide at around 3:15 p.m.

The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

The NYPD said there was no visible trauma to the bodies. The Medical Examiner will officially determine the cause of death.

Jerry Hugel was found next to the car in the garage, while his wife was discovered in a kitchen on the first floor nearby, according to police.

Greco was found in a stairwell, and Vonthadden was in a living room.

Investigators have yet to say whether there were any carbon monoxide detectors in the home. There was an outpouring of support at the home all day from longtime neighbors as well as law enforcement.

Longtime neighbors say Jerry and Marie Hugel were very active and loved dancing with their German-American cultural club, of which Jerry had been president for nearly 30 years.

"A great couple, that's all I can say. Very active, great family," said neighbor Helga Harter.

"Very vibrant people, they used to dance a lot for the German parade and all the German festivals," said a friend, Barbara Stoja.

Harter said she had known the Hugels for 40 years. "They were wonderful people," Harter said through tears as she stood outside looking at the home. "They were married for 60 years."

Harter described the Hugels as active in the local German community. She last saw them on Wednesday at a meeting of a Bavarian dancing and cultural organization.

"I'm in shock," Harter said. "It's the greatest shock of my life."

(Some information from the Associated Press.)