The family of Abby Lutz, one of two Americans found dead in Mexico on Tuesday, said Thursday they believe she and her boyfriend died of carbon monoxide poisoning while on vacation.
Abby Lutz was spotted with her boyfriend, John Heathco, in a hotel room in the community of El Pescadero in Mexico Baja California Peninsula, according to the Baja California State Attorney.
The initial forensic examination indicated that the couple died of intoxication by a substance, which authorities are still working to identify.
Lutz’s family said in their GoFundMe campaign for funeral costs that authorities informed them the couple may have died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to inadequate ventilation.
Abby Lutz.Courtesy of the Lutz family
Lutz’s half-sister, Gabrielle Slate, said the couple had been feeling very ill over the weekend and went to the hospital, where they were given IV fluids.
“She got really sick on Saturday and they thought it was food poisoning,” Slate said. “She wasn’t getting better, so they took her to the emergency room, she got help there, and she went back to the hotel feeling fine.”
Their family believed the couple was getting better and enjoying the rest of their vacation until they got a call from the U.S. State Department, stepmother Racquel Lutz said.
“They just thought it was food poisoning,” she said. “They had no idea. None of us thought about it. You know, because you can’t smell carbon monoxide.”
Henar Gil, the CEO of Rancho Pescadero, offered her condolences to the family in a statement Thursday.
“The safety of our guests and colleagues is always a priority,” said Gil. “Local authorities confirmed that there was no evidence of violence related to this isolated incident and that there is no threat to the safety or well-being of guests at this time.”
Gil, who said the hotel would refrain from speculating on the cause of death, referred further investigations to local authorities.
Abby Lutz.Courtesy of the Lutz family
Slate said her half-sister was a frequent traveler and the couple was very familiar with Mexico. The family knew that both Abby Lutz and her boyfriend were smart travelers and only frequented areas they believed to be safe.
“I think the hardest part is going to a resort where you think we’re going to take care of you,” Slate said.
Racquel Lutz said, “It was so senseless and could have been avoided.”
Carbon monoxide was responsible for two incidents last year in which Americans died from the noxious gas during the holidays.
In May last year, three tourists: Michael Phillips, 68; Robbie Phillips, 65; and Vincent Chiarella, 64, died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a Sandals resort in the Bahamas.
Months later, in November, a group of Americans staying at an Airbnb rental in Mexico City died the same way. Their families said at the time they were surprised the rental company did not require hosts to have working carbon monoxide detectors.
Abby Lutz’s father, Tony Lutz, is devastated, the family said Thursday. I had just made travel plans to visit him for Father’s Day this weekend.
Her stepmother described her as an animal lover who was always excited to give gifts at Christmas, making “springs” for everyone in her pottery class.
“I had always wanted more children and I had Abby when Tony and I got married,” she said. “And that was one of the most wonderful parts of having another daughter to share life with.”
Slate said she will remember her sister for her sweetness and love for her nieces and nephews.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say a bad word about anybody,” Slate said. “She is the happiest and most positive person. She loved everyone around her.”
