Jayrrine Sequeida Died In Albany Park, Chicago Carbon Monoxide Accident

Unsafe Premises - January 14, 2025

Albany Park Building Where Jayrrine Sequeida Died From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Had Building Code Violations – GoFundMe Created to Support Victim’s Family

Jayrrine Sequeida Died In Albany Park, Chicago Carbon Monoxide Accident

ALBANY PARK, CHICAGO (January 14, 2025) – A 10-year-old girl identified as Jayrrine Sequeida has tragically died in a carbon monoxide accident at an Albany Park building.

Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 5:20 a.m. on Monday. Paramedics and firefighters were called to a home on West Gunnison Street after getting a report of someone not breathing.

Firefighters detected high levels of carbon monoxide inside of the building and had it evacuated. Despite lifesaving measures, Jayrrine Sequeida later died at the hospital.

A 12-year-old girl was also taken to the hospital in serious condition. Chicago fire officials said that there were around 300 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide in the building. Long-term exposure over 100 ppm can be fatal.

According to a report by the Chicago Book Club, the building had a total of 11 building violations. Among other things, a boiler was malfunctioning.

There were also no smoke or carbon monoxide detectors inside. A fire department spokesman said that the death was totally preventable.

You can help support the family of Jayrrine Sequeida through GoFundMe. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that results in many injuries and deaths every year. According to one study in JAMA Network, “Unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes approximately 2100 deaths in the United States per year, but the use of CO detectors could potentially prevent many of these deaths.” A majority of CO accidents occur during the winter months when people are more likely to use heaters and keep their windows closed. There are a number of signs associated with CO poisoning.

  • Headache
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain
  • Seizures

Property owners could be liable for any accident where a person is harmed by carbon monoxide exposure. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/1), property owners must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action. Any defect with a property that contributed to a carbon monoxide poisoning could form the basis of a premises liability claim.

  • A property may have a malfunctioning heating system. This may include furnaces, boilers, or heaters.
  • A property may have improperly installed gas appliances.
  • A property may have blocked, crashed, or uneven chimneys.
  • A property owner may have failed to install carbon monoxide detectors.

The vast majority of carbon monoxide accidents are completely preventable. They tend to occur when property owners fail to perform needed maintenance in order to save money. Even if a CO leak is completely random and difficult to prevent, deaths can nearly always be prevented with functional CO detectors. It is important for victims of these incidents to understand that they do have rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating Illinois Carbon Monoxide Deaths

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jayrrine Sequeida. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was a preventable tragedy that should never have taken place. No family should ever have to suffer through something like this.

Do you need more information about a Chicago carbon monoxide accident? Our team of building safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that property owners are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.