Editor’s note: This story originally stated that Ridenour and Bogart were dating. However, Global News has confirmed they were not a couple.
A “faulty exhaust system component” may have caused exhaust to enter the idling vehicle where two Drayton Valley teens were found unconscious last week, Alberta RCMP said Thursday.
Shaina Ridenour, 16, was found with Gage Bogart, 17, at around 3:30 a.m. Dec. 21. Ridenour was pronounced dead at the hospital. Bogart, who was in the driver’s seat, was taken to hospital in Edmonton in critical condition and died late on Christmas Day.
READ MORE: Second Alberta teen dies after being found unconscious in idling car
RCMP said there was a strong odour of exhaust fumes in the vehicle. Foul play was not suspected.
A mechanical inspection Wednesday found “that a faulty exhaust system component may have caused exhaust to enter into the vehicle cabin,” RCMP said in a media release Thursday.
“It is unknown whether or not this was an existing problem or a recent occurrence.”
Watch below: Drayton Valley mourns sudden loss of 16-year-old ‘firecracker’
Alberta RCMP said the investigation into the teens’ deaths is now complete.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the community of Drayton Valley and the involved families during this difficult time,” RCMP said.
Drayton Valley is about 140 kilometres southwest of Edmonton.