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They sought medical attention, but it was too late.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Jun 05, 2019
When we go on vacation, we expect to take in the sights, relax by the beach or pool, and experience a taste of a different culture. And when our vacation is over, we return to our daily lives and remember the amazing experiences we had.
But sometimes, things take a cruel turn. Just like the recent headlines we’ve seen of people dying, being murdered, or beaten and left for dead while on holiday, one couple didn’t make it home from their getaway.
What happened to David and Michelle Paul? According to Michelle’s sister-in-law, Tracey Calanog, “They were planning an amazing vacation. They always wanted to explore.” And on this trip, they flew to Fiji.
Photo: Facebook
Originally from Texas, the two were in great physical shape and often took trips together. David was a former Air Force veteran, and Michelle was a former college athlete. But their physical endurance stood no chance against the mysterious illness both of them succumbed to. Though Michelle and David sought medical attention, but it was too late. Said Calanog, “They knew something was going on in their body and were able to get to the hospital.”
The virus was so deadly and aggressive that it debilitated the two. Once at the hospital, Michelle passed away. Hospital staff planned to fly David to an Australian hospital by helicopter, but he died before they could. The couple died within a few days of one another.
Photo: Facebook
According to Michelle’s father, she was experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and numbness in her hands. He says Michelle contact him saying the couple were going to a clinic, but he never expected to lose his daughter.
In an interview with Today, he said, “Both of them are experiencing the same kind of sickness. Nobody’s telling me what was the cause of the death. And that’s very hard for me. My feeling is as parents we are not supposed to bury our children. That is very hard for me. Very hard.”
And not only does the couple leave behind caring parents, but a son of their own. They were parents to a two-year-old son, Ayden, and David also had a daughter from another relationship.
“Every time people call my wife, she cries very hard. But I keep telling my wife we got to stay strong because we have a new job: Ayden. We have to take care of Ayden,” Calanog said.
Photo: Facebook
As of now, authorities are working with the Health Ministry to determine the type of virus that caused their death, and are conducting testing.
In a statement to People Magazine, Becca Archer-Knepper, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Fiji, said, “For more than a week, the U.S. Embassy has been closely working with the Fiji government, police, and health officials in their investigation into the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens while on holiday in Fiji.
The Embassy has facilitated contact between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Fiji’s Ministry of Health to ascertain the causes of death and to assist in any related measures. We appreciate the efforts made thus far by the Fijian authorities and stand ready to provide further assistance, if requested. At this point, we are not aware of any specific public-health threat to the community.”
Photo: Facebook
For now, the couple’s bodies will remain in Fiji until it is proven that the illness isn’t infectious; if they are, the bodies will need to be cremated.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.