Wis. Girl Who Died After Falling off Boat Suffered Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

An 11-year-old girl’s death is likely to have occurred after suffering from carbon monoxide exposure, according to authorities.

On Tuesday, July 29, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in an update on Facebook that Maisy Livingston is believed to have fallen out of a boat on Lake Alexander in Wisconsin after being exposed to the gas and losing consciousness on Sunday, July 27.

“Three other victims in the same boat were treated at various medical facilities for Carbon Monoxide Toxicity,” the release read. “Their condition is considered stable and they are expected to make a full recovery.”

Authorities added, “An autopsy was performed on Monday July 28th, 2025. Preliminary findings indicated Carbon Monoxide Toxicity to be a likely contributing factor to Maisy’s death.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when the gas builds up in the blood and replaces oxygen in the red blood cells, according to Mayo Clinic. 

Police said the investigation is still ongoing, adding that no foul play or negligence is currently suspected.

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In a previous release on Monday, authorities confirmed that they received a call at around 3:28 p.m. on July 27 of a girl missing in the water after falling overboard.

Multiple agencies then began a search operation before Livingston was located by sonar.

“Dive team members were able to recover her body at approximately 7:03 p.m,” the release read. “She was pronounced dead at the scene.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this extremely tragic situation. We deeply appreciate the collaboration by fellow first responders during this incident,” Merrill Fire Department wrote as they shared the police’s statement on Monday.

In their release on Tuesday, police advised people about the dangers of carbon monoxide building up when boats move at a slow speed for “extended periods of time.”

Authorities say this has occurred in a number of incidents where the poisonous gas has built up in and around the boats.

“This can occur even in open air boats which do not have enclosed cabin area,” the release read. “Boaters should remain aware of wind conditions and cognizant of this potential hazard. Remember, Carbon Monoxide is colorless, odorless and can be fatal.”