Culture
American couple found dead of 'intoxication' from unknown substance in Baja California Sur luxury hotel
According to the Baja California Sur Attorney General’s office, the two had been dead for 10 or 11 hours before they were found by police
June 16, 2023 7:46am
Updated: June 16, 2023 10:08am
Two Americans were found dead on Tuesday inside their room at a luxury hotel in Baja California Sur, Mexico, authorities said.
Police officers and first responders arrived at the Hotel Rancho Pescadero in the town of Pescadero, about 40 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. Inside one of the hotel rooms, they found the body of a man and a woman.
According to the Baja California Sur Attorney General’s office, the two had been dead for 10 or 11 hours before they were found by police. There were no signs of violence on their bodies.
The victims were identified as John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 28, both from Newport Beach, California, according to the Attorney General’s office.
Mexican authorities are launching an investigation to determine the cause of death.
Preliminary investigation suggested that their death was caused by an “intoxication by a substance to be determined.”
The manager of Rancho Pescadero, Henal Gil, said the hotel staff does not initially "believe that the cause of death was related to any issues with the hotel's infrastructure or facilities, including carbon monoxide or a gas of any kind.”
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Thursday that they are “monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death” and are “ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”
"We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved Abby. Abby had an adventurous spirit and a wonderfully kind heart. She loved to travel, see new places, and share her zeal for life with those around her. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this very difficult time," Lutz’s family said in a statement.
In October, three U.S. citizens died from gas inhalation at a rented apartment in Mexico City. Police officers found the three tourists unresponsive in an upscale neighborhood of the city. Post-mortem examinations suggested the victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
