US News

Families plan own autopsies for couple who died in Dominican Republic

The bodies of Nathaniel Holmes and Cynthia Ann Day — the Maryland couple found dead in a hotel room in the Dominican Republic — have been flown back to the US, as their families prepare to have autopsies performed.

Relatives are hashing out funeral plans but will have autopsies and toxicology tests done beforehand, Steven Bullock, an attorney for the couple’s families, told People.

“We are continuing to investigate the exact cause of death. The families are determined to find out what happened and why. At this time the cause of death remains a mystery,” Bullock said. “We look forward to getting the FBI findings.”

Their bodies were returned to Temple Hills, Maryland, on Tuesday.

Holmes, 63, and Day, 49, who were engaged, were found dead in their room at the Grand Bahia Principe La Romana resort May 30 — the same day they were set to return home.

An autopsy in the Dominican Republic ruled both died of respiratory failure and pulmonary edema. Day also suffered from cerebral edema.

They are among several American tourists who have mysteriously died during recent stays at resorts in the Dominican Republic — a disturbing trend that’s stoking fears among travelers.