Autopsies of Dead Tourists Complete, DPM Says

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The autopsies of three American citizens who died at Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma are completed, according to Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

Our Berthony McDermott has the latest.

Cooper advising that autopsies conducted on the three Americans that died at Sandals in Exuma on Friday are complete, but no report has been released just yet.

It remains unclear how the Americans died. The matter has been the subject of public speculation over the last several days and has attracted international media attention.

Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, is expected to return to the island with a team to do some additional work.

Blood samples were taken from the three Americans and sent to a lab in Philadelphia for examination with results expected within seven days.

The deceased were identified as Michael Phillips, 68, Robbie Phillips, 65, from Tennessee; and 64-year-old Vincent Chiarella, from Florida.

Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said Chiarella’s wife, who was found alive, was in a hospital in Florida yesterday, still in serious condition.

Cooper said he spoke to the families of the victims.

The tourism minister added, Sandals hasn’t seen any major cancellations following the incident, adding that forward bookings remain strong.

As these were three United States citizens, the US Embassy in Nassau has been instrumental in this process.