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HEARTBREAKING LOSS
Sandals agent shared haunting final post about Bahamas resort one day before being found dead along with husband
A TRAVEL agent and mom of three posted scenic beach photos outside the Bahamas resort where she and her husband were found dead just one day later.
Robbie, 65, and Michael Phillips, 68, were two of the three US tourists who mysteriously died in the Sandals Emerald Bay resort over the weekend, Paul Rolle, Bahamas Commissioner of Police, confirmed.
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A fourth US woman was airlifted to a Florida hospital, where she's in "serious condition," Rolle said Monday afternoon.
The two couples were sleeping in separate-but-adjoining villas.
Officials are still working to pinpoint the official causes of deaths, but "foul play isn't suspected," according to Chester Cooper, the tourism minister of the Bahamas.
The working theory that's been widely circulated has been focused on issues with the air conditioning units that may have caused freon poisoning.
ABOUT THE MYSTERIOUS DEATHS
Robbie's last social media post included seven beach photos showing sunny, blue skies smeared with a large, fluffy cloud, clear water washing up on the sand and Sandal-logo flags blowing in the breeze.
"If you want the most beautiful long private beach with clear blue water and you like to hear the waves lapping , see sand dunes and hear the sea gulls talking - this is it! RELAXING The Greg Norman golf course is a bonus."
Robbie tagged the Sandals Emerald Bay in the post, which garnered about 50 responses.
It started with positive messages wishing them a good time and playful jealous banter.
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By Saturday, the comments turned to dread and concern from friends as news of the mysterious deaths reached the US, and then tribute and condolences by Sunday.
Family members reached by The Sun declined comment.
THE SAND LADY
Robbie created , which includes a list of "a Best of the Best Preferred Sandals and Beaches agency," according to the site's "about us" section.
They plan luxury honeymoons, Caribbean destination weddings, special family vacations and romantic getaways.
"What started as a mother-daughter-team has now expanded to include four adopted sisters!" the website says.
"We have personally visited each of the resorts we sell, and each year we attend multiple training sessions offered by Sandals.
"This way we stay familiar with all of the new features and specials that each resort offers.
"To ensure we are able to handle every need or request of our clients, we maintain a personal relationship with resort managers, wedding coordinators, and other staff at each Sandals and Beaches resort."
She and her husband mike own Royal Travel, which is connected to The Sand Lady.
The Tennessee couple leaves behind three children and six grandchildren.
TWO OTHER VICTIMS NAMED
Alabama native Vincent Chiarella was found dead in his hotel room hours after reportedly feeling ill, and his wife Donnis was rushed to hospital where she remains in serious condition.
They were celebrating their anniversary at the luxury resort.
Their son Austin told ABC News that his mom woke up to find that "she couldn't move" - and saw Vincent "laying on the floor."
"Her legs and arms was swollen and she couldn’t move and she screamed to get someone to come in the door,” Austin said.
"We hope and pray for her recovery," Rolle said during the Monday afternoon press conference.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS AND SKEPTICISM
All the autopsies are expected to be completed Monday to learn their official causes of death, and law enforcement hasn't said if there were other people sick with mild but similar symptoms.
The most common theory is centered around a fault in the A/C unit.
One guest on Facebook that the cause of the episode “may have been a fault with the a/c in the unit, causing a toxic coolant leak.”
At least one well-respected doctor is skeptical of the A/C unit malfunction idea.
, a retired assistant surgeon general, told The Sun that paralysis and swollen arms and legs are "atypical" of freon poisoning and the two couples were in separate villas.
"There was a rush to say there was no foul play before an investigation even started," said Khan, who's currently the dean of College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
He doesn't have a theory yet himself, especially without all the evidence.
SANDALS RESORTS RESPONDS
Sandals Resorts International declined to comment further outside of this emailed statement:
"Nothing is more important to Sandals Resorts than the safety of our guests. It is with deep sadness that we can confirm the passing of three guests at Emerald Bay Resort on May 6, 2022.
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"A health emergency was initially reported and following our protocols we immediately alerted emergency medical professionals and relevant local authorities to provide support and investigate the situation.
"We are actively working to support both the investigation as well as 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."
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