Boy, 11, Dies in Regina Apartment from Carbon Monoxide; Residents Say it Could Have Been Stopped

A young boy has died in a Regina apartment building after a carbon monoxide leak. Residents say they warned about safety issues and that the tragedy could have been avoided. An investigation is underway.
By Newsroom | Canada, Saskatchewan |

The premature death of an 11-year-old boy in a Regina apartment building has sparked concern and allegations among residents, who claim the tragedy was avoidable. The incident, involving a carbon monoxide leak, has led to an ongoing investigation by local authorities. This event has amplified calls for increased safety measures and greater accountability within multi-unit dwellings.

Initial Response and Loss

On December 23, 2025, emergency services responded to a carbon monoxide leak at an apartment building on Albert Street in Regina. Fire Chief Layne Jackson confirmed that the source of the carbon monoxide (CO) was identified as the building’s boiler unit. Despite the efforts of first responders, an 11-year-old boy, later identified through a fundraiser as Henry, was found deceased in his apartment. His mother reported that he appeared to be asleep with rosy cheeks, an indication that he may not have experienced the typical warning signs of CO poisoning.

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Apartment residents say fatal carbon monoxide poisoning of 11-year-old was preventable - 1

"He was a bright mind and always up for a new adventure," said one resident, remembering the young victim.

Allegations of Negligence and Systemic Failures

Residents have come forward with claims that the fatal leak was preventable. Concerns have been raised about the functionality and presence of carbon monoxide detectors within the building. Some residents allege that alarms on their floor did not activate, and that maintenance failed to respond to alarms on other floors. A couple residing in the building has formally alleged negligence, suggesting a breach of duty regarding building safety. Henry's family had reportedly moved into the unit only weeks before the incident.

Apartment residents say fatal carbon monoxide poisoning of 11-year-old was preventable - 2

"The investigation is not yet done and there will be further examination of the boiler to understand how the failure happened," stated an RPS spokesperson, acknowledging the ongoing nature of the inquiry.

The Nature of the Incident

Regina Fire Chief Layne Jackson described the incident as unintentional, directly linking it to a failure within the building's boiler unit. While the Regina Police Service has confirmed an ongoing investigation, they have not provided further updates. The investigation's scope includes a detailed examination of the boiler to ascertain the precise cause of its malfunction.

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Apartment residents say fatal carbon monoxide poisoning of 11-year-old was preventable - 3

The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal, often referred to as the "silent killer." It is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, and wood. In enclosed spaces, like apartment buildings, faulty appliances, poor ventilation, or blocked exhaust vents can lead to dangerous accumulations of CO.

Apartment residents say fatal carbon monoxide poisoning of 11-year-old was preventable - 4

  • The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association's data from 2025 shows a pervasive issue, with numerous incidents across the United States involving fatalities, hospitalizations, and evacuations due to CO leaks in homes, apartment buildings, schools, and businesses. These events highlight a recurring vulnerability across various settings.

  • Common sources of CO include:

  • Malfunctioning furnaces and boilers

  • Gas stoves and water heaters

  • Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves

  • Generators and vehicle exhaust in enclosed areas

  • Symptoms of CO poisoning can mimic the flu, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, which can delay recognition of the danger.

Expert Insights on Building Safety and Detection

Dr. Anya Sharma, a building safety consultant, noted the critical role of maintenance and monitoring.

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"Regular, thorough inspections of heating systems and ventilation are paramount in multi-unit dwellings. Furthermore, a robust network of functioning CO detectors, regularly tested, is not just a recommendation but a fundamental requirement for occupant safety."

The absence or malfunction of CO detectors, as alleged by some residents, would represent a significant lapse in preventative measures. Investigations into such incidents often scrutinize maintenance logs, alarm system records, and building code compliance.

Unanswered Questions and Path Forward

The ongoing investigation aims to establish the definitive sequence of events and identify any contributing factors to the CO leak. Key questions remain:

  • Were carbon monoxide detectors present and functional in all affected units and common areas?

  • Was there a documented history of maintenance issues with the boiler or other building systems?

  • Did building management adequately respond to resident concerns or alarms?

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The findings of the official investigation will be crucial in determining potential accountability and informing future safety protocols for apartment buildings in Regina and beyond. The community's call for answers underscores the urgency of a comprehensive review.

Sources:

  • CBC News: Report on residents' claims of preventability.

  • URL: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/apartment-residents-say-fatal-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-of-child-prevantable-9.7073826

  • Published: Approximately January 2027 (based on "16 minutes ago" from input date of late Jan 2027)

  • Leader-Post: Fire Chief's statement on the unintentional nature of the leak.

  • URL: https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/fatal-carbon-monoxide-leak-at-apartment-unintentional-says-regina-fire-chief

  • Published: January 30, 2026

  • 980 CJME: Identification of the victim and initial reporting of the incident.

  • URL: https://www.cjme.com/2025/12/23/fundraiser-identifies-boy-11-died-from-in-carbon-monoxide-leak-at-regina-apartment/

  • Published: December 23, 2025

  • CBC News: Report on the victim's identity and family's experience.

  • URL: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/regina-carbon-monoxide-death-9.7026865

  • Published: December 23, 2025

  • National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association: Data listing carbon monoxide victims and incidents.

  • URL: https://www.ncoaa.us/resources/victims-2025

  • Source Status: Online resource page, date reflects data presented.

  • CTV News: Report on the victim and the incident.

  • URL: https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/my-son-is-gone-boy-11-dead-after-carbon-monoxide-leak-at-regina-apartment-building/

  • Published: December 23, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in the Regina apartment?
An 11-year-old boy died because of a carbon monoxide leak from the building's boiler.
Q: Do residents think this could have been prevented?
Yes, some residents say they had warned about safety issues and that carbon monoxide alarms did not work.
Q: What is carbon monoxide?
It is a dangerous gas that you cannot see or smell. It can be deadly if it builds up in a home.
Q: Is there an investigation?
Yes, the police and fire department are looking into how the leak happened and why.
Q: What are the dangers of carbon monoxide?
It can make you sick with flu-like symptoms, and it can kill you if you breathe too much of it.