What was supposed to be a festive trip to Mexico City turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when three American friends were found dead inside an Airbnb apartment after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning.

Kandace Florence, Jordan Marshall and Courtez Hall were visiting Mexico to celebrate Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. Their bodies were discovered on October 30, 2022, in an apartment in the La Rosita neighborhood of the Cuajimalpa district, near the city’s Santa Fe business area.

According to Mexico City authorities, post-mortem examinations indicated that all three died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators identified a malfunction in the apartment’s gas boiler as a possible source of the deadly gas.

Before she died, Florence reportedly contacted her boyfriend, Victor Day, saying she was vomiting, dizzy and struggling to stand. When he could no longer reach her, he contacted the Airbnb host, who arranged for someone to check on the apartment. The three friends were subsequently found unresponsive.

The tragedy raised serious questions about safety measures in short-term rental properties, particularly whether the apartment had working carbon monoxide detectors. The listing reportedly indicated that detectors were available, but later accounts raised questions about whether the devices were actually installed.

Airbnb described the deaths as a terrible tragedy and said it was prepared to cooperate with authorities. The victims’ families also called for stronger safety requirements to prevent similar incidents.

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it is colorless and odorless. Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and, at high concentrations, death. A faulty gas appliance or poorly maintained heating system can allow the gas to accumulate indoors without warning.

The deaths of Florence, Marshall and Hall left their families and friends devastated. Their vacation was meant to be a celebration, but it became a painful reminder of the importance of functioning carbon monoxide detectors and properly maintained gas equipment in holiday accommodations.

Sources: ABC NEWS