A Columbus woman was found deceased in a car owned by family members Friday afternoon in North Columbus.
According to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant, Antoinette Smith, 34, was found by family members in a car parked at her sister’s house near Union Academy in North Columbus.
Merchant told The Dispatch it appeared the victim entered the inoperative vehicle on Wednesday evening with her two dogs, placing a charcoal grill in the driver’s seat to keep warm.
When discovered on Friday, both Smith and her two pets had died.
It is believed the victim and her pets both died of carbon monoxide poisoning, and authorities do not believe there was any foul play, Merchant said in a text message. Toxicology tests have been ordered.
Merchant said the victim lived with her mother in a Southside apartment.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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