Young family poisoned themselves because they feared 'pending apocalypse,' examiners find

From FOX 13



SPRINGVILLE, Utah -- Medical examiners have ruled that a young family of five found dead in the master bedroom of their Utah home all died from poisoning, likely because the parents were concerned about a "pending apocalypse."

Parents Benjamin and Kristi Strack died from self-inflicted poisoning, FOX 13 in Utah reports. Two young children, age 11 and 12, died from homicide and the manner of death for their 14-year-old son was undetermined, FOX 13 reported.

The family was found in the master bedroom on Sept. 27 by the Strack's 18-year-old son, the only surviving member of the family.

Police said they found medications and cups filled with a “red liquid” next to the bodies of five members of a Springville family. Multiple boxes of cold and flu medication were recovered at the home. Empty bottles of Methadone were also found.

According to documents, “Investigators at the scene determined the cause of death to be an accidental or intentional poisoning either by ingestion or environmental causes.”

From FOX 13



 

Officials said friends and family told them Benjamin and Kristi had said they were concerned with the “evil in world,” a “pending apocalypse” and wanted to escape the “impending doom.”

Friends interpreted this to mean that the family would be moving somewhere to live "off the grid."

Officials found a letter written by the 14-year-old son, Benson, FOX 13 reported. The letter stated he knew he was going to die and left his possessions to a friend.

The family was all found lying in bed, with bedding up to their necks.

For more on this FOX 13 story, click here.