By: Staff Writer
May 27, 2022
Weeks after three tourists died from carbon monoxide poisoning at the Sandals Emerald Bay, Exuma resort the company issues statement denying the deaths were caused by faulty air-conditioning.
Autopsy and toxicology reports have been completed following the deaths of Tennessee couple Michael Phillips, 68, and Robbie Phillips, 65, and Florida resident Vincent Chiarella, 64. The three Americans died under mysterious circumstances at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort on the island of Exuma on May 6 while staying in separate villas.
In response to the toxicology report, Sandals issued a statement: “We remain devastated by the unimaginable event that occurred at Sandals Emerald Bay Resort earlier this month that resulted in the loss of three lives, including two members of our beloved travel advisor community, and the recovery of a fourth guest. We wish to once again extend our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt condolences to the Phillips and Chiarella families.
“Despite initial speculation, Bahamian authorities have concluded the cause was an isolated incident in one standalone structure that housed two individual guest rooms and was in no way linked to the resort’s air conditioning system, food and beverage service, landscaping services or foul play.
“Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members is and will always be paramount. It is for this reason that we have taken additional measures such as engaging environmental safety experts for a comprehensive review of all systems across the resort. In addition, CO detectors have now been placed in all guest rooms at Sandals Emerald Bay and although not mandated in any Caribbean destination where we operate, detectors will be installed in all guest rooms throughout the portfolio.
“Our entire team is keeping the families in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The families of the victims, who have all declined to talk to the media, have called for their own independent autopsy, most likely the first steps into a lawsuit against the Jamaican hotel chain.