A heart-wrenching incident has come to light as two tourists tragically lost their lives due to suspected pesticide poisoning after their accommodation in Sri Lanka underwent fumigation for bedbugs. The unfortunate victims were identified as Ebony McIntosh, a 24-year-old digital marketing and social media manager hailing from the English city of Derby, and 26-year-old Nadine Raguse from Germany. Both were residing at the Miracle Colombo City hostel in the Sri Lankan capital according to reports from Britain’s PA Media news agency.
The unsettling events unfolded after a room at the hostel was fumigated for bedbugs, leading to both McIntosh and Raguse falling ill. Sri Lanka Police spokesman Buddhika Manatunga revealed to PA that McIntosh was admitted to the hospital on Saturday, marking the beginning of a harrowing ordeal for the two tourists. Authorities are currently delving into the possibility of pesticide poisoning as the cause of their untimely deaths.
In light of McIntosh’s passing, plans for an autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death are expected to proceed once her family arrives in Sri Lanka on Monday. Manatunga confirmed that the hostel, now closed, will not resume operations until further notice.
Responding to the distressing news, a representative from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) conveyed their support for McIntosh’s family and assured cooperation with local authorities. CNN has also initiated contact with the FCDO for additional insights on the matter.
In an effort to cope with their devastating loss, McIntosh’s family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to facilitate their journey to Sri Lanka to bid farewell to their beloved daughter and sister. Expressing their grief on the page, the family shared poignant memories of McIntosh and the shock of her sudden and tragic demise while being miles away from home.
Detailing McIntosh’s enthusiastic pursuit of her travel dreams in South Asia, her family recounted her journey from London to Sri Lanka with fervor and excitement. Tragically, her joyous spirit was marred by the sudden onset of symptoms, leading to her swift hospitalization and eventual passing within a few short hours.
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