Boat couple died from carbon monoxide, tests show

Apr 3 2007

A MIDLAND couple found dead on their canal boat died from carbon monoxide poisoning, police said today.

The bodies of Michael Tudor, 46, and Karen Lesley Van-Rooyen, 42, were found on the vessel on Shropshire Union Canal at Norbury, near Stafford, last Wednesday.

The boat - which is believed to have been the couple's permanent home - was moored near to the Junction pub.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said initial enquires had revealed that the deaths were caused by a fault on the boat's outboard motor.

He said: "Toxicology tests carried following the deaths have now confirmed that the pair died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Although the deaths will still be subject to a full inquest, initial enquiries suggest that this was as a result of a fault on the boat's outboard motor."

He said the deaths of the couple, who were found dead along with their dog, were not being treated as suspicious.

Further tests will be carried out on the boat by British Waterways and officers are preparing a full report for the coroner.