An American couple who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in their luxury hotel room in Mexico thought they had contracted food poisoning just days before their death.
Abby Lutz, 28, and John Heathco, 40, were found unconscious Tuesday in their hotel room at the five-star, $780-a-night Hotel Rancho Pescadero near Cabo San Lucas.
Abby worked as a nanny while John ran a health supplement website.
According to Abby’s family, who are now raising money to take her home, they died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Abby Lutz, 28, and John Heathco, 40, were found unconscious in their hotel room on Tuesday
The couple stayed at the $780-a-night Rancho Pescadero hotel in El Pescadero, near Cabo San Lucas
The pair initially thought they had food poisoning and went to hospital days before their sudden death.
“On a scenic trip in Mexico, Abby and her boyfriend thought they had food poisoning and went to the hospital to be treated.
“We were told they felt much better a few days later. We received a call that they had passed away peacefully in their hotel room in their sleep.
“We were told it was due to improper ventilation of the resort and it may have been carbon monoxide poisoning.” GoFundMe page founded by the family says.
In a statement, her sister told DailyMail.com: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Abby. Abby had an adventurous spirit and a wonderfully good heart.
“She loved to travel, discover new places and share her joy of life with those around her. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this very difficult time.
“In lieu of flowers, we’re asking for donations to GoFundMe to help us put Abby to rest.”
Representatives from the hotel, which is owned by US company Hyatt, have not commented on claims that carbon monoxide could be responsible for the couple’s deaths.
Abby’s family is now raising money to bring her remains home and pay for her funeral
Abby, 28, with her younger brother, who paid tribute to her on Thursday
Abby worked as a nanny in Newport Beach, California
An autopsy has yet to confirm how they died, but police say it was due to suspected gas inhalation.
It’s unclear how long the pair had been dating or how long they were scheduled to be in Mexico.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
They can often be described as “flu-like,” according to the CDC.
However, people who sleep can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before showing symptoms.
There have been several other cases of tourists dying in hotel rooms due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Last June, a Florida couple died while vacationing at a Sandals Resort in the Bahamas.
In November, three other tourists died while staying in a rented apartment in Mexico City. Their cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.
While Hyatt has not yet commented on the allegation regarding the ventilation and how it could have caused their deaths, the hotel’s general manager said they were “heartbroken.”
“We are truly heartbroken by this terrible tragedy.
“Our hearts are with the bereaved families and loved ones during this unimaginable loss,” she said.
The couple was found Tuesday in their hotel room at the Hotel Rancho Pescadero