A US Coast Guard officer, his wife and their children were found dead inside their Florida home as officials fear the family suffered carbon monoxide poisoning — just hours after he talked with his mom on the phone.
The bodies of Yohan Sanchez, 33, his wife Rebeca Santos, 15-year-old son Michael Melendez and 2-year-old son Samuel Sanchez were discovered inside their Ocala home, about 70 miles outside Orlando, during a “welfare check” around 10:30 p.m. Friday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
Sanchez’s heartbroken mother, Jackie Soto, said she had spoken with her son just hours before his death.
“I don’t believe it. This is my baby,” Soto told Fox 35.
She described their conversation as brief and routine, adding that he was baking a cake at the time.
Authorities said foul play is not suspected and that the family appears to have been fatally exposed to the extremely toxic, odorless gas.
“Investigators suspect the deaths may be the result of carbon monoxide poisoning; however, the official cause of death is pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the deaths.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the department added.
Sanchez’s sister, Noel Sanchez, said her brother “proudly served” in the Coast Guard Reserve before retiring last year, she wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover funeral costs for the young family.
The veteran’s brother, Sendy Sanchez, told WESH 2 that the family’s pastor first checked on them Thursday after they missed a church event, but left when the home appeared dark and quiet.
When the pastor returned on Friday and again received no answer, he called 911.
Neighbor Alexander James told the outlet the family was “real nice,” saying they had lived at the home for about 10 months and maintained a good, neighborly relationship.
His brother also told the outlet that Sanchez and Santos met at church in Massachusetts before moving to Florida about a year ago.
Sendy described his brother as a deeply devoted Christian who dedicated his life to his family, faith and public service.
“Nobody’s expecting this type of tragedy,” he said. “We’re just devastated.”
Ocala Christian Academy administrator Randy Osborn told the Ocala Star-Banner that Michael, a ninth grader at the school, was deeply engaged in his church community and had been preparing to preach Thursday evening.
Faculty “commended his leadership abilities and his desire to study the Bible,” Osborn said.
“He enjoyed playing the piano, but more importantly, strived to serve God and others.”
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