Aaron Cole and Kelly Demings Death & Obituary: The tragic deaths of Aaron Cole, 56, and Kelly Demings, 54, were confirmed by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office as the result of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The two men were discovered lifeless inside a storm drainage tunnel located beneath College Avenue and near Foothills Parkway in Midtown Fort Collins on February 7, 2025. Their bodies were found in a tent within the tunnel during the early morning hours, sparking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths.
Angel Hoban Death & Obituary: 41, Found Dead in Fresno, Authorities Investigate Homicide
Cause of Death: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
According to official reports, a malfunctioning camping heater was found near the deceased, and it is believed to have been the source of the carbon monoxide that led to their deaths. The gas, which is both colorless and odorless, can be especially dangerous when trapped in enclosed spaces. In this case, the storm drainage tunnel, which had limited ventilation, allowed the carbon monoxide to accumulate to lethal levels, ultimately causing the fatal poisoning of both individuals.
Accessing the Hazardous Tunnel: A Wake-Up Call for Safety
Investigators also determined that Aaron Cole and Kelly Demings had accessed the storm drainage tunnel by crawling under safety gates that were put in place to keep people out. This indicates that the men may have been using the tunnel as shelter from the cold, despite the hazards it posed. This unfortunate event raises concerns about the effectiveness of safety measures to prevent vulnerable individuals from entering dangerous spaces.
Homelessness and Outreach Efforts in Fort Collins
The tragic deaths of Cole and Demings underscore the ongoing issue of homelessness in Fort Collins. The police reported that their Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) Team had made multiple attempts to connect with both men and offer them resources available to help people experiencing homelessness. According to records from the Coloradoan, Fort Collins police officers had interacted with Kelly Demings on 12 separate occasions and Aaron Cole on nine occasions between January 2024 and February 2025. Despite these efforts, there is no indication that the men received the support they needed together, highlighting the challenges of reaching and providing aid to individuals in vulnerable situations.
The Dangers of Cold Weather and Improper Heater Use
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly during cold weather. The use of heaters for warmth, if not properly managed, can be deadly. The malfunctioning camping heater inside the tunnel, combined with the enclosed space, created the deadly conditions that led to the tragic deaths of Cole and Demings.
A Call for More Effective Outreach and Support
The deaths of Aaron Cole and Kelly Demings are not only a personal tragedy for their families and friends but also a stark reminder for the Fort Collins community of the critical need for better resources and outreach for individuals experiencing homelessness. Despite the repeated efforts by the HOPE Team, this tragedy shows that more must be done to prevent similar incidents. Providing greater support, education on safe living practices, and accessible resources for those in need are crucial steps in preventing such fatal outcomes in the future.
Conclusion: Addressing the Homelessness Crisis in Fort Collins
The deaths of Aaron Cole and Kelly Demings were caused by accidental carbon monoxide poisoning due to a malfunctioning camping heater. Their tragic passing highlights the dangers of homelessness, particularly during colder months when improper use of heating equipment can have fatal consequences. This case emphasizes the need for more effective outreach, better resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, and stronger safety measures in the community. Fort Collins must continue to address these critical issues to ensure the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable residents.