New details have emerged in the tragic deaths of three men in West Valley City that authorities are investigating as suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to reporting from The Salt Lake Tribune, West Valley City police have arrested a 25-year-old man after three men with disabilities were found dead inside a vehicle at an apartment complex.
The men — identified by police as Colton Moser (25), Mosa’ati Moa (22), and Tim Jones (39) — were residents of group homes and were being transported by an employee of Safe and Sound Services, a company that reportedly provides transportation services for people with disabilities.
According to reporting from the Salt Lake City Tribune, police say that the driver picked up the three men Friday morning and brought them to his apartment at a nearby complex. He allegedly left the men in the van with the engine running, told them to stay inside, and went into his residence. The Salt Lake City Tribune reports that he allegedly did not return for about 3½ hours.
When the driver came back, the Salt Lake City Tribune reports that the garage door was llegedly closed, the vehicle was off and would not start, and all three men were unresponsive. Responders later pronounced them dead at the scene from what police describe as suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up rapidly in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Exposure can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, and death—often before individuals understand they are in danger or are able to remove themselves from harm.
“When vulnerable adults are placed in someone else’s care, time, supervision, and basic safety protocols are not optional — they are everything.”
shane gosdis
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, law enforcement has confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway, and the driver has been arrested on multiple felony charges. State authorities have also allegedly taken emergency action related to the care provider involved. These proceedings are separate from any civil investigation and address different legal questions.
As with any incident involving loss of life—particularly where vulnerable individuals are involved—investigators will examine timelines, supervision, training, policies, and safety procedures to determine how this occurred and whether it was preventable. Those determinations take time, and responsible conclusions should not be rushed.
Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.
This post is part of a short series examining the recent West Valley carbon monoxide incidents, including what happened, how these tragedies occur, and what families should know.
If you have questions about carbon monoxide safety or the investigation process, you can contact Gosdis Law Firm for general information. There is no obligation, and all inquiries are confidential.
Gosdis Law 385-429-9960
