Airbnb Tragedy Leaves Texas Family Shattered
A dream vacation to Mexico City turned into a nightmare for two Texas siblings who were found dead inside their Airbnb®. Their sudden and unexplained deaths have left their family searching for answers as Mexican authorities investigate the tragedy.
Vacation Turns Tragic
Siblings Laura Morales, 37, and Hugo Iván Morales, 35, both from El Paso, were vacationing in Mexico City when they were discovered dead on Feb. 25 inside their Airbnb rental.
Authorities said a 61-year-old woman who lived in the building had attempted to notify the siblings about a repair for a leak in the water meter. She knocked on their door multiple times but received no response. Concerned, she decided to enter the apartment and was met with a horrifying sight — both Laura and Hugo were unconscious. She immediately called the police.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered that one of the burners on the gas stove was slightly turned on, potentially causing a gas leak and carbon monoxide poisoning, as reported by KTSM. The cause of death remains under investigation, but officials suspect that the gas leak played a role.
Airbnb Responds as Loved Ones Mourn
Airbnb addressed the tragedy with a statement expressing condolences and pledging support. Airbnb spokesperson stated, "This is a terrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones. Our priority right now is supporting those impacted as the authorities investigate what happened, and we stand ready to assist however we can," as reported by ABC 7.
For those who knew Laura and Hugo Morales, the news of their sudden passing was devastating. "It was just a gut-wrenching feeling. That's all I can say. I read the text over and over and I couldn't believe it, you know," said Erick Valdiviezo, a longtime friend who had known Hugo since middle school. "That's my little brother, so it was hard, you know what I'm saying? It was really hard," as reported by ABC 7.
Valdiviezo described them as "two beautiful souls", sharing that Laura felt like a big sister to him. The siblings had a close-knit group of friends who remained in touch over the years through a group chat, making the loss even more painful.
Meanwhile, their mother, also named Laura Morales, traveled to Mexico City to gather more information as the family seeks answers.
Loved Ones Await Answers
As authorities continue their investigation, the Public Ministry is awaiting autopsy results to confirm the exact cause of Laura and Hugo Morales' deaths. While carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, officials have yet to make a final determination.
Back home in El Paso, friends and family are left grieving and searching for closure. Oscar Fabian Morales, the siblings' brother, set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs, hoping to bring them home and lay them to rest surrounded by loved ones.
What was meant to be a joyful vacation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy, serving as a grim reminder of the unseen dangers travelers may face. As their family waits for answers, they are leaning on their community for support, remembering Laura and Hugo as the "beautiful souls" they were to everyone who knew them.
References: Texas siblings found dead inside Airbnb while on vacation in Mexico City, reports say | Texas siblings found dead in Mexico City Airbnb, police confirm | El Paso siblings found dead in Airbnb in Mexico City, reports say
