Woman found dead in car during hazmat call in Costco parking lot, SLO police say
CORRECTION: The person found dead was initially misgendered. She was female.
Editor’s note: This story mentions suicide.
A woman was found dead in a vehicle filled with toxic gas in the parking lot of Costco in San Luis Obispo on Sunday evening, police confirmed Monday.
The San Luis Obispo police and fire departments responded to a check-the-welfare call at 1540 Froom Ranch Way at 6:18 p.m., Fire Chief Todd Tuggle told The Tribune.
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Hazmat team was also requested to assist, according to Cal Fire.
Officers found an adult female inside a vehicle. The woman was non-responsive to knocking on the windows and had skin mottling that could indicate a skin condition or reaction, Tuggle said.
He said officers decided to break out a rear window and immediately noticed a strong scent that was indicative of a type of toxic gas. They later confirmed the gas’s presence, Tuggle said.
The incident appeared to be intentional, though that has not yet been confirmed by the county coroner, Tuggle said.
He added no foul play was suspected.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988. You can also call the Central Coast Hotline at 800-783-0607 for 24-7 assistance. To learn the warning signs of suicide, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM.
