Identification of Dead Tourists to be Expedited

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The formal identification of the three Americans found dead at the luxury all-inclusive Sandals E Emerald Bay Resort on Exuma is being expedited.

This latest news coming from Acting Prime Minister and Exuma Member of Parliament Chester Cooper.

In a statement today, Cooper saying the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), the minstries of Tourism and Health and Wellness, and United States embassy officials, have been working together since Saturday to expedite the process, which will make way for pathologists to begin autopsies to determine the exact cause of death.

Cooper also saying in that statement that Prime Minister Philip Davis has been kept abreast of the situation and that further updates will be provided once more information is available.

The acting prime minister also reaching out personally to the victims’ families, offering condolences and prayers on behalf of the people of Exuma and The Bahamas.

Both the Ministry of Tourism and RBPF are expected to remain in close contact with the families of the deceased. Cooper asking for their privacy to be respected.

Son of Dead Tourist Speaks

The son of one of the Americans who lost their lives speaking with ABC News, saying he is heartbroken.

Austin Chiarella telling ABC News that his father vincent was everything to him.

Vincent Chiarella and his wife, Donnis, were reportedly staying at the resort for their anniversary. The couple’s son, who told news outlets he learned of the incident when the US Embassy in Nassau called him Friday night, says his mother Donnis was the woman flown to the hospital.

ABC reporting that she was airlifted to Kendall Regional Facility in Florida.

Chiarella also telling ABC News that Donnis told him she fell ill Thursday but felt, “she was alright” after leaving the clinic.

This is a developing story. For all the latest on this and other top stories visit Our News Bahamas on Facebook.