I just finished reading this horrible story:

Couple found dead in rural Longville cabin

Two people have died in a rural Longville cabin. A third person has been hospitalized.

By: Bethany Wesley, Bemidji Pioneer

Two people have died in a rural Longville cabin. A third person has been hospitalized.

The cause is suspected to be poor ventilation of a gas heater.

According to a press release from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office:

Relatives found Lee Schwarze, 58, and Nancy Schwarze, 55, both of Hutchinson, Minn., dead in a rural Longville cabin Saturday afternoon and called authorities, who responded to the scene.

Their son, Michael Schwarze, 22, of Hutchinson, was found unconscious in the cabin. He was flown to Hennepin County Medical Center.

Autopsy results are expected later this week.

In my opinion, this is a tragic accident that could have been prevented.  Gas-fired appliances (water heaters, furnaces, even ovens/stoves) need proper ventilation to get rid of the by-products of combustion, the most dangerous being carbon monoxide (CO).  A thorough home inspection should reveal if the appliance has enough ventilation and distance from return air to function safely.  If the by-products are being sucked back into the unit, it is being distributed through the home. 
CO detectors should be installed in every home, and are now a requirement on new homes.  They are inexpensive and most of the time unnoticed. 
Bottom line:  have your home or vacation cabin inspected ANNUALLY for safety and maintenance.