Suits filed over Wilson deaths claim pool heater, vent faulty

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho – The family and estates of former Bonners Ferry City Attorney Pete Wilson and his son Kevin Wilson have sued the company that manufactured the pool heater and venting installed in the Wilson home.

Two years ago Tuesday, the father and son were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. Found unconscious in the home, but not killed, were Pete Wilson’s wife, Rhoda Wilson, and another son, Neil Wilson. Four other family members also were “overcome” by the carbon monoxide that day, but survived, according to the lawsuits.

The lawsuits allege that the carbon monoxide built up as a result of a faulty swimming pool heater that was installed a decade earlier in the Wilson’s home.

The carbon monoxide build-up was the result of the pool heating system being installed without proper ventilation, according to the lawsuits.

The suits allege negligence and product liability for, in part, failing to adequately warn consumers about the danger of installing the heater in a closed system, such as the furnace room where it was located.

Consumer protection act violations and breach of warranties also are alleged in the suit filed by Rhoda Wilson.

The companies named as defendants in the suit are Teledyne Industries, Inc. and related companies, and Simpson Duravent, Inc., and related companies.