On January 21, authorities found Mohamed Alexandre Coulibaly in his vehicle in Montreal. He was in evident cardiac arrest and frozen. There were no signs of violence in the car or on his body. The keys were in the ignition, and the battery was dead.
Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
An autopsy conducted on January 26 revealed a carboxyhemoglobin level greater than 50% in Coulibaly’s blood, indicating lethal carbon monoxide poisoning. The coroner reported that the exhaust system of his 2011 Hyundai Elantra had a major flaw, causing exhaust gases to leak near the vehicle’s ventilation intake.
Circumstances of Death
The investigation suggested that while the vehicle was in motion, exhaust gases were diluted and expelled. However, once the car was immobilized, these gases accumulated inside. The coroner concluded that this defect, combined with the vehicle’s stationary position, likely led to Coulibaly’s death.
Timeline of Events
- January 14: Coulibaly arrives in Montreal after work to meet someone.
- January 15: The presumed date of his death, based on video footage.
- January 18: Roommates report him missing after not hearing from him.
- January 20: Police check a location based on cellphone data.
- January 21: Coulibaly’s vehicle is discovered, displaced by snow removal operations.
The investigation underscores the severe dangers associated with faulty exhaust systems that can lead to tragic outcomes. Mohamed Alexandre Coulibaly’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vehicle safety and maintenance.
