KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Almost 2 years ago, and East Tennessee family experienced tragedy. Courtney Swafford said she lost her 19-year-old daughter, Madison Taylor, to open-air carbon monoxide. The experience gave her a new meaning to Memorial Day.
"We know that we're going to have time with our family. We also know that Maddie is not going to be present," said Swafford.
She said Taylor was in the back of a boat while her family was enjoying time on the water. She was a sophomore in college and is remembered for her athleticism, academics and her attitude. She said she passed out suddenly due to carbon monoxide — a toxic and odorless gas.
"She had gotten in the water to wet her hair. She went under twice and came back up, and spoke with her brother and her friends. And then, she went back under the third time and didn't resurface after that point," she said.
She said her entire family effectively grew up on the lake but never knew about the dangers of the toxic gas while in the open air. So now, she said she is spreading awareness so more families know to be careful of carbon monoxide while out on the water.
"If we can spread awareness and save one life, then we're doing what our mission is now," she said. "A lot of them (boaters) are very receptive and very unaware of the dangers of carbon monoxide."
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include irritated eyes, headaches, nausea, weakness and dizziness. However, the agency said boaters can confuse symptoms with seasickness or intoxication.
She said she gives boaters free carbon monoxide detectors as part of her work to raise awareness of its dangers. She said with her work, she is helping make sure Taylor is remembered as a bubbly, energetic, fun and loving person.
"I would just tell people this summer, to think of Madison when you're boating," said Swafford.