A quiet morning in a small Ohio town turned into a scene of unimaginable sorrow. What began as a routine check-in by a family member ended with a discovery that would shake an entire community.
A tragic discovery unfolded on Tuesday morning in Clay Township as authorities confirmed the deaths of five people — including three children — inside a residence along State Route 7 South.
At 8:00 a.m. on April 15, the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office released a public statement on its Facebook page regarding the incident. According to the statement, the Gallia County 911 Center received a call at 10:44 a.m. reporting five unresponsive individuals inside the home.
Emergency personnel responded quickly. Upon arrival, they confirmed all five individuals had died at the scene. The sheriff’s office noted that there was no suspicion of foul play.
Sheriff Matt Champlin addressed the community in the post, saying his investigative team was working to determine the cause of death. At the time, the identities of the deceased were withheld until all family members were notified.
In his remarks, Champlin acknowledged the gravity of the loss, “The loss of any life is sad, however, a tragedy such as this is truly heartbreaking.” He urged the community to keep the affected families in their thoughts during this time of grief.
Just an hour after the initial statement, the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office issued an update at 9:00 a.m., offering new details on the cause of the tragic deaths. Investigators, alongside the Gallia County Coroner, determined that all five individuals had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The gas, which is colorless and odorless, can be lethal when inhaled in enclosed spaces. According to the sheriff’s office, a family member had discovered the bodies earlier that morning inside the residence.
The two adults were later identified as 35-year-old Brian A. Doss and 34-year-old Lora Schuman. The three children, though not yet named publicly at the time, were said to be ages 9, 8, and 5.
Sheriff Champlin reiterated the sorrow felt across the community, stating that while key findings had been made, the investigation would remain open. He emphasized the need to understand the full context of what led to the fatal exposure.
“This situation is one that we all hope will never occur,” Champlin said. “Today’s tragic loss of life has shattered and changed the lives of many forever.” Later in the evening, more personal details emerged. Phillip Doss, brother to Brian, who is the father to two of the children, shared his heartbreak in an interview with WSAZ News Channel.
He said he had gone to the house expecting to be greeted with smiles, only to find devastation. He revealed that a storm the previous night had knocked out power to the home. In response, the family had used a generator — which, tragically, was running inside the house.
Loved ones are now calling on the community to remember the victims not just for the tragedy, but for the kindness and warmth they shared in life. Following the tragedy, people have sent comforting messages online. “I just cannot imagine. What a loss to our community,” wrote one person.
Another added, “How awful, prayers for all . Our community needs to join and pray for their family.” Someone else commented, “My heart is broken . We are definitely praying.”
As the community mourns, more details are emerging about the victims. Alongside Brian, his fiancée, Lora, 35, also lost her life. A lifelong resident of Gallipolis, Schuman was born on March 20, 1990.
She was known for her vibrant personality and passion for demolition derbies. Friends and family often saw her cheering from the stands, supporting Brian — known locally as “Adam” — during local events.
Schuman is survived by her daughter, Brooklyn Doss, and her sister, Donna McGuire, both of Gallipolis. She was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn “Sue” Hayman, and now, heartbreakingly, by her fiancé and children, who died alongside her.
The three children have been identified as Phillip Hank Doss, Jr., Justin Jay “J.J.” Doss, and Elsa Nicole Doss. All three were young, with their lives just beginning.
Their sudden and tragic loss has sent shockwaves through their family and the wider Gallia County community.
As the investigation continues, the focus now turns to honoring and remembering the lives lost — not only for the circumstances of their passing, but for the love and light they brought to those around them.
