Authorities say a carbon monoxide leak caused by a malfunctioning pool heater at a southwestern Michigan hotel has killed a child and sickened about a dozen other people, including seven other children and several police officers.
That child has been identified as 13-year-old Bryan Douglas Watts. Bryan was unable to recover.
A Niles City Officer and a Berrien County Deputy were also treated for overexposure to carbon monoxide and were later released from the hospital. Other officers were evaluated as a precaution.
At this time the hotel has been closed for occupancy while the investigation continues.
Quality Inn & Suites employees called 911 around 10 a.m. after seeing six unresponsive children on the pool deck.
Niles Fire Capt. Don Wise says a high level of carbon monoxide was detected in the pool area and lower levels were found in other parts of the hotel.
Three police officers and two hotel employees also were hospitalized.
