Cause of death unknown: David and Michelle Paul Fiji vacationing couple from Fort Worth, Texas die after contracting mystery illness while on ‘dream’ vacation.
A young and healthy Texas couple on what was described as a ‘dream vacation’ in Fiji died suddenly after they both contracted a mysterious illness.
Family of David and Michelle Paul told of the Fort Worth couple beginning to feel unwell the day before they were supposed to leave Fiji and return home two weeks ago.
‘They knew something was going on in their body and were able to get to the hospital,’ Michelle’s sister-in-law Tracey Calanog told via KVUE.
Relatives said that David, an Air Force veteran, and Michelle, an athlete in school, were in great shape.
Both husband and wife loved to travel and tried to get away on annual trips with just each other- leaving behind their young son, 2, David’s daughter from a previous relationship, and their dog, Zooey.
According to Calanog, Michelle died first, then David, before he could be airlifted to Australia for treatment.
An investigation into the cause of their deaths is ongoing, but a recent World Health Organization alert warns of a deadly influenza strain, including in Fiji where it is ‘particularly affecting young adults.’
David and Michelle Paul Fiji vacationing couple cause of death being monitored closely:
A US Department of State official confirmed the deaths of Michelle and David Paul and were monitoring the investigation according to a report by the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.
The couple’s children were with relatives, with their pet dog left at an unknown kennel.
‘We are incredibly grateful for everyone that came together and helped locate Zooey,’ Calanog said.
Adding, ‘I’ve never seen a community like Fort Worth come together for complete strangers to help find a family member.’
Calanog said the couple’s remains cannot be returned to the United States until a cause of death is determined. If it is an infectious disease, their bodies will have to be cremated.
