MILWAUKEE - One man is dead, and three others are recovering after they were overcome by carbon monoxide in the basement of a home at 2411 W. Mineral on the city's near-south side. Two of the victims were teenage bystanders who ran in to help the others. The poisoning is being blamed on a generator that was being used after electricity to the home was cut off. Firefighters returned to the south side home Tuesday where Nolan Lopez died. They wanted to make sure the house was safe for his loved ones to go back home. Lopez was in the basement, sleeping next to a gas generator that the family used to keep power in the house. They say they had no choice because they depended on it to help care for a sick relative. They say We Energies shut off their electricity weeks ago. “He needs his insulin,” said Emily Rodriguez, relative of the victim. “He needs to keep it refrigerated. How is he going to keep it refrigerated without any (power)?” Robert Vargas risked his own life when he rushed into the house and tried to save Lopez and his father-in-law. He said he didn’t think about the danger. He said he did what he had to do. “I've been blessed,” said Vargas. “If it was my time to go, it was my time to go. It's not time for me to go yet.” Vargas wanted to save both men. He even performed CPR on Lopez until the ambulance arrived. Sadly, the so-called “silent killer” had already taken his life. Crews from We Energies were expected back at the house to turn the power back on Tuesday. Family members say they appreciate it, but it's a day too late. If you are having trouble paying your energy bill, you may be eligible for assistance or flexible payment plans.