(NECN: Josh Brogadir) - A prominent Massachusetts businessman has died of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning in Vermont. 60-year-old Edward Lappen of Cohasset and eight others became sick at Lappen's chalet in Killington.
It all happened on a family trip to a vacation home.
While nine people were sleeping in the house, carbon monoxide was leaking without them knowing.
"Death is always sad, it's not always tragic. In this case it's tragic, very much so. We're going to miss him," said friend James Charam.
A tragic death at a ski lodge in Killington, Vermont.
60 year old Edward Lappen, of Cohasset, Massachusetts, seen in the far right of this photo with his family, died of carbon monoxide poisoning this morning.
His wife, Helene Lieb, in the far left of the photo was flown to Mass General Hospital in Boston.
Local
She is in fair condition.
His son and daughter and five other people in the house were treated at a Hospital in Rutland, Vermont, after one of them woke up and called 911.
In a statement Vermont State Police Lieutenant Jim Cruise said, "We believe the source of the Carbon monoxide was a propane wall heater unit within the basement of the residence. The heater was tested and found to have multiple cracks. "
There were no carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
Friends say Lappen was CEO and the third generation of his family to run the Lappen Auto Supply store chain.
His family sold the retail end of the business to Advance Auto Parts in 2005.
He has served on the Cohasset Town Advisory Committee and was also active at his synagogue, Congregation Sha'aray Shalom in Hingham, where friends and congregants spoke about the tragedy at Friday night services.
"As I said to my wife on our way out here tonight, I never remember seeing Eddie without a big smile on his face. He was warm. He was just a great guy," Charam added.
Another friend, Ken Ingber said "he was wonderfully funny, a joy to be around. He blended a good deal of intelligence and wit into an easy going manner."
And friend and neighbor Allan Koswick had dinner with Lappen earlier this month and described him as a good person and "a great guy."
Ed Lappen's funeral will be at Sha'aray Shalom in Hingham on Sunday.
Arrangements are still being finalized.
