By JADA LEMOS
Staff Writer
Three Americans, two from Tennessee, and one from Florida were found dead at Sandals Resort in the Bahamas over the course of one evening. A fourth American, the wife of the Floridian who died, is in good condition after she was airlifted for further treatment. The bodies showed no signs of trauma, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement, and the circumstances remain under investigation.
The situation unfolded when local police were alerted by the resort staff that there was an unresponsive male in one of the resort’s villas. While en route, the police received another call for an additional two unresponsive people in another villa. A release stated that the two from Tennessee showed signs of convulsion, but no signs of trauma. The night prior, all of them had reported feeling ill and were seen by medics. They were treated at different times and had eaten before at different locations.
Michael Phillips, 68, and his wife Robbie Phillips 65 were identified as the couple from Tennessee who died at the resort. Vincent Pail Chiarella 64, was identified as the third individual that died. His wife, Donnis 65, was transferred from Nassau to a hospital in Miami and is in good condition. Their son, Austin Chiarella, stated that he “woke up and my dad was laying there on the floor, and she couldn’t move. Her legs and arms were swollen and she couldn’t move, and she screamed to get someone to come in the door.” Donnis told her son that she became ill, but “thought she was alright,” according to ABC news.
The Phillips’ daughter, Caroline Phillips Fortenberry, said “Our hearts are grieving and broken but full of hope. We know our mom and dad are experiencing the fullness of joy in our heavenly Father’s presence. We already miss them terribly. Our parents left a legacy of faith in Jesus and generously loved their family and friends.” As of right now, authorities are working on repatriating the bodies and giving their belongings to their representatives.