Couple found dead at Bahamas Sandals were travel agents who raged over the resort
A married couple from Tennessee who were among three Americans found dead at a Bahamas resort Sandals were travel agents who had sprung from the luxury getaway before their deaths.
Authorities confirmed on Monday that Michael Phillips, 68, and his wife Robbie, 65, died in mysterious circumstances at their villa at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort on the island of Exuma last Friday.
In a final Facebook post just a day before their bodies were found, Robbie had posted a glowing review of the Emerald Bay resort and a handful of photos of the coastline.
“If you want the most beautiful long private beach with clear blue waters and like to hear the waves lapping, see the sand dunes and hear the seagulls talking, this is it!” Robbie wrote.
The couple, who lived in Maryville, ran a Royal travel agency together and were no strangers to Sandals resorts, according to their social media pages.
They reportedly book honeymoons, destination weddings and vacations for guests at various Sandals resorts, according to their website.
In addition to their travel agency, Robbie also ran a travel site called The Sand Lady, where she described herself as a “certified sandal specialist” and “elite member of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club”.
The couple are survived by their three adult children and six grandchildren.
“Our hearts are grieving and broken but full of hope. We know our mother and father experience a fullness of joy in the presence of our Heavenly Father,” the Phillips family told The Post in a statement.
“We miss them terribly already. Our parents left a legacy of faith in Jesus and generously loved their family and friends.
The body of Florida man Vincent Chiarella, 64, was also found Friday in a separate villa at the resort, Royal Bahamas Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said.
Chiarella’s wife, Donnis, was airlifted to a Florida hospital and remains in serious condition, Rolle added.
According to local authorities, the three Americans found dead had previously sought medical treatment because they were not feeling well.
Samples taken from the three deceased tourists have since been sent to a lab in Pennsylvania to help authorities figure out what happened.
Authorities also took samples from the rooms they were staying in and the surrounding property to determine if any contaminants were present.