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Shocking details emerge after 3 Americans mysteriously die at Bahamas luxury resort

On Friday, May 6, Sandals Emerald Bay resort staff called authorities around 9 am after they found three guests unresponsive

Three Americans mysteriously died at a luxury resort in the Bahamas, while a fourth had to be airlifted, authorities have confirmed. Chester Cooper, the Bahamas acting prime minister, identified the guests as Americans who were staying at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort on Exuma. Cooper, who is also the nation’s tourism minister, said that no foul play was suspected.

On Friday, May 6, hotel staff called authorities around 9 am after they found a guest unresponsive in one of the beachfront hotel’s villas. A local doctor pronounced the man dead. He was found lying on a bedroom floor with no sign of trauma. In a separate villa, another man was found unresponsive, slumped against a bathroom wall. On a bed lay an unresponsive woman. Neither showed signs of trauma, but both had reportedly suffered a convulsion.

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Police said that the previous night, the couple found in the second villa had complained of feeling sick. They were treated at a medical facility, following which they returned to the hotel. Autopsy reports that are yet to come will reveal the causes of death. 

In a statement, Sandals Emerald Bay said that they had immediately alerted emergency medical services and authorities of a “health emergency.” “We are actively working to support both the investigation and the guests’ families in every way possible during this difficult time. Out of respect for the privacy of our guests, we cannot disclose further information at this time,” the statement said.

New details have now revealed that the tragedy may have been caused by a faulty air conditioner leaking toxic coolant. In a Facebook post, a guest who was staying at the same resort said, "Three of our neighbors in the building right next to us died and a fourth was airlifted in critical condition early yesterday. There was crime scene tape and security guards all around our unit. It sounds like it may have been a fault with the a/c in the unit, causing a toxic coolant leak. It was hard to sleep last night - every time the a/c came on, I woke up. We’re continuing our vacation because that’s what I would want people to do if I were to have been one who died - celebrate my life by living yours to the fullest. That said, our hearts are with those who grieve. May God have mercy on them and us."

One of the deceased has reportedly been identified as Vincent Chiarella of Birmingham, Alabama, while the other two remain unnamed. Coucheron-Aamot's claims come as police continue to investigate the case. 

Cooper said in a statement, "I have been regretfully informed today of the death of three American visitors, two men, and a woman, at a resort property on Exuma. Another American woman has been airlifted to Princess Margaret Hospital. I have been briefed by the commissioner of police and the resort's executive management on the matter. I am currently in Eleuthera on ministerial business. As I am acting in the capacity of prime minister, I have briefed Prime Minister [Philip] Davis on the matter."

"Police are investigating and the cause of death is still unknown," Cooper added. "However, I am advised that foul play is not suspected. I have asked Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Michael Darville to lead a delegation this evening to Exuma of Health and Wellness, Environment and Public Works officials. The public will be kept abreast of information as soon as it becomes available. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the families affected."

The adults-only luxury resort is located in a secluded area within 500 acres of tropical land. It has a mile-long beach, three pools, 11 restaurants, and an award-winning golf course.