An American couple traveled to the Mexican state of Baja California Sur for some relaxation, was discovered dead in their oceanfront resort on Tuesday.
The couple, who authorities identified as John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 28, were found between 10 and 11 hours after they died at the Rancho Pescadero hotel in El Pescadero.
A statement given by the Attorney General of the State of Baja California Sur verified this information on Thursday.
The Attorney General wrote: “There were no signs of violence, but the cause of death was intoxication by an unspecified substance. Out forensics experts are diligently working to determine just exactly that substance was that caused their unexpected deaths.”
Rancho Pescadero Hotel General Manager Henar Gil said, “We are not aware of any further threat o our guests safety or wellbeing. We are truly heartbroken by this terrible tragedy.”
Gil continued to say in a statement on behalf of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, “Local authorities are still actively investigating the situation, and the safety and security of our guests and colleagues remains a top priority, as always.”
According to a GoFundMe for transportation and funeral costs for Lutz, the couple had reportedly visited a hospital to get treatment for food poisoning.
“We were told they were feeling much better a few days later,” wrote Gabrielle Slate, who was identified as Lutz’s stepsister. “We received a phone call saying that they had passed away peacefully in their hotel room in their sleep. We have been told it was due to improper venting of the resort and could be Carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Local police initially said gas inhalation was to blame for the couple’s death.
Lutz was supposed to meet her dad for Father’s Day, Slate wrote on the donation page.
“All of this is completely unexpected. We are trying to get Abby home to us so we can have the funeral she deserves,” Slate wrote. “Abby was the most beautiful soul and we will miss her so much.”
While an investigation into the couple’s death remains ongoing, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said, “We are closely monitoring local authorities as they investigate into the cause of death. We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect for the privacy of the families, we have nothing further to add at this time.”
