American Couple Found Dead in Mexicos Baja California
by J Nandhini
Updated Jun 17, 2023
What Happened to American Couple Found Dead in Mexicos Baja California?
Abby Lutz, aged 28, and John Heathco, aged 41, were discovered unresponsive inside their room at an upscale hotel in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Family members suspect that the couple may have been victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, as reported by Ariana Baio.
During their vacation, the American pair, identified as Abby Lutz and John Heathco, were staying at the luxurious Rancho Pescadero hotel in Baja California Sur. On Tuesday, 13 June, paramedics were alerted to their hotel room after receiving a distress call about their unconscious state.
Upon examination, paramedics found Lutz and Heathco unresponsive, without any vital signs. Loved ones of Abby Lutz believe that the couple's tragic demise was a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The vacationing duo had traveled to Baja California Sur together, as stated in a GoFundMe campaign initiated by one of Lutz's family members. Rancho Pescadero, situated approximately 40 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, served as their accommodation during the trip.
Lutz and Heathco had experienced symptoms resembling food poisoning and sought medical treatment while still on vacation, as mentioned in Lutz's GoFundMe account. After a few days, they reported feeling considerably better and resumed their stay at the hotel, keeping in touch with their families.
Tragically, just a day later, their families received devastating phone calls informing them of Lutz and Heathco's peaceful passing in their hotel room while they slept.
Upon receiving the report of two unconscious individuals, paramedics promptly arrived at the hotel at around 9 pm on Tuesday, 13 June. The Baja California Sur attorney general's office confirmed that the couple had succumbed to poisoning from an unknown substance, ruling out any signs of physical violence. By the time the authorities arrived, approximately 10 to 11 hours had passed since their passing.
Lutz's family has been informed that the deaths may be attributed to inadequate venting at the resort, possibly resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fernando Valencia, one of the first responders, recalled feeling dizzy upon entering the room where Lutz and Heathco were staying. In an interview with Good Morning America, he expressed his immediate concern for his partner's safety, fearing that they too might succumb to the same fate.
Henar Gil, the general manager of Rancho Pescadero, expressed profound grief over the tragic incident, extending condolences to the affected families. She reassured that local authorities are actively investigating the situation while emphasizing the hotel's commitment to guest and staff safety. Ms. Gil stated that there was no evidence of violence related to the incident and no known threats to guest well-being. Any further inquiries were directed to local authorities.
During a news conference on Thursday, 15 June, Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, confirmed that they are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation into Lutz and Heathco's untimely deaths. Mr. Miller emphasized their readiness to provide appropriate consular assistance as needed.
Abby Lutz, aged 28, originally from Newport Beach, California, but raised in Idaho, was fond of traveling and had explored Europe, Asia, and Mexico, according to her aunt, Karen Lutz, as reported by The Daily Beast. Tragically, Abby was scheduled to reunite with her father to celebrate Father's Day later that week. The GoFundMe description for Lutz portrays her as a beautiful soul who will be deeply missed by her loved ones. Her family is now seeking support to bring her back home for a proper funeral.
John Heathco, the owner of a health supplement company in Newport Beach, had his LinkedIn profile indicate his professional background. However, his exact place of origin remains undisclosed.
American Couple Found Dead in Mexicos Baja California - FAQs
Abby Lutz, 28, and John Heathco, 41, were found unresponsive in their hotel room in Baja California Sur, Mexico. They were believed to have been poisoned by an unknown substance.
The couple was staying at the luxury hotel Rancho Pescadero, located in El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, during their vacation.
Initially, the couple thought they had food poisoning and sought treatment at a hospital. They later started feeling better and returned to the hotel, communicating with their families. However, they tragically passed away in their sleep the following day.
Lutz's family believes that the couple may have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper venting at the hotel. Authorities are still investigating the incident.
The general manager of Rancho Pescadero expressed deep sadness and stated that they are cooperating with authorities in the investigation. The Baja California Sur attorney general's office confirmed the deaths were due to poisoning by an unknown substance and found no signs of physical violence. The US Department of State is also monitoring the situation and offering consular assistance.