Man dead after he is found in snow-covered car with engine running in Montreal

MONTREAL — A Quebec coroner will investigate the death of a 57-year-old man found inside a snow-covered vehicle with its engine running, after two major snowstorms hit the city over four days.

Montreal police Const. Florence Stafford says a 911 call came in at about 8:15 a.m. for someone unconscious inside a parked vehicle in the city’s Villeray—St-Michel—Parc-Extension borough.

The engine was running and the vehicle was covered with snow after more than 74 centimetres fell in Montreal during storms that hit on Thursday and Sunday.

The Montreal fire department and paramedics tried to resuscitate the man, who was transported to hospital where his death was confirmed.

Stafford says the death is not considered criminal but the cause is undetermined, adding that the coroner will shed light on what happened.

Authorities warn against leaving the motor running of a car if it’s encased in snow, because a snow-blocked tailpipe can quickly lead to carbon monoxide build up inside the vehicle.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2025.

The Canadian Press