Nitrogen Gas, Silence, and a Closed Practice | Burlington News

Burlington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 8, 2026 · 1m

An 82-year-old former Vermont state rep, Noel Neely, died from asphyxia caused by nitrogen gas delivered through a face mask and plastic bag — a chillingly bizarre case that’s still under investigation. Her death certificate lists the gas exposure as a contributing factor, but leaves the manner of death undetermined — even though the exposure allegedly occurred in 2026, a date that defies logic. Her husband, orthodontist Donald Neely, has remained silent, and his practice has shut down amid patient complaints and a looming small claims lawsuit — all while authorities probe whether this was an…