Questions raised after groomer, dog die in van

Questions raised after groomer, dog die in van by Taylor Whartnaby, Photographer Ethan Trejo Thu, November 12, 2026 at 5:21 PM 7 VIEW ALL PHOTOS An investigation is underway after a mobile dog groomer and a dog were found dead inside the groomer’s van in a far Northwest Side neighborhood. (SBG San Antonio) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: San Antonio Mobile groomer Carbon monoxide Dog death Investigation Toxicology Bexar County Sheriff's Office Davis Ranch SAN ANTONIO - An investigation is underway after a mobile dog groomer and a dog were found dead inside the groomer’s van in a far Northwest Side neighborhood. RELATED | Mobile groomer, dog found dead in van on Far Northwest Side The deaths happened Wednesday in the Davis Ranch area off Galm Road and FM 1560. The dog’s owner grew concerned after not hearing from the groomer for hours and asked a neighbor to check. The neighbor found the groomer and the dog unresponsive inside the van. First responders arrived at a home on Dusty Boots and attempted lifesaving measures. Neighbor Cynthia Rivera said she ran outside when she saw first responders arrive and watched as they performed CPR on the groomer. Rivera also described seeing the moment the dog was returned to its owner. “Their life was cut short that quick,” Rivera said. “I did see when they brought the blanket out and took the dog to the lady and then gave her her pet and I was just like, it’s so hard,” Rivera said. The dog was identified as Oliver Oken. In a written statement, the pet’s owner said their family is heartbroken “not only for their sweet boy Oliver but also the groomer who was caring for him,” adding that the groomer “was a person with a family, loved ones and a life of her own” and that “this should have never happened.” The statement also said the family believes suspected carbon monoxide exposure played a role, but that has not been confirmed. Former FBI agent Abel Peña cautioned against drawing conclusions. “I would say that carbon monoxide is a theory. But there’s still other variables that could have taken place,” Peña said. Peña said investigators are expected to examine the van, including its power source and possible environmental hazards, and run toxicology tests on both the groomer and the dog to determine what caused their deaths. The dog’s owner is also calling for additional safety measures in mobile grooming vans as they become more accessible, including carbon monoxide detectors, alarms and appropriate ventilation. Neighbors in the Davis Ranch community said they are thinking about the families affected as they wait for answers. Bexar County Sheriff's Office say no foul play is suspected. Trending Mobile groomer, dog found dead in van on Far Northwest Side Mobile groomer, dog found dead in van on Far Northwest Side Microsoft investigates Outlook email outage affecting users across the Americas Microsoft investigates Outlook email outage affecting users across the Americas GLP-1 weight loss drugs can cause blindness GLP-1 weight loss drugs can cause blindness San Antonio boy goes viral for singing 'God Bless America' to a bald eagle San Antonio boy goes viral for singing 'God Bless America' to a bald eagle Man shot after threatening driver with a hammer and axe Man shot after threatening driver with a hammer and axe NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 7 NEW Questions raised after groomer, dog die in van 6 Freight train strikes tractor-trailer, blocks tracks in Hondo 3 Edgewood ISD approves superintendent's early retirement despite community objections 6 After Abbott blocks funding, Texas lawmakers move to curb license-plate readers