Two tourists tragically lost their lives in Sri Lanka, suspected victims of pesticide poisoning following fumigation at their hostel to eliminate bedbugs. The victims, 24-year-old Ebony McIntosh from Derby, UK, and 26-year-old Nadine Raguse from Germany, fell ill after the treatment at Miracle Colombo City hostel. According to Sri Lanka Police, McIntosh was hospitalised on Saturday, but sadly passed away shortly after arriving.
Investigators are looking into whether pesticides caused the deaths. An autopsy for McIntosh will take place once her family arrives in Sri Lanka, as the hostel remains closed during the investigation. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing support to McIntosh’s family as they navigate this devastating situation.
Her family has expressed their heartbreak through a GoFundMe page set up to aid their travel to Sri Lanka. They described McIntosh’s adventurous spirit, sharing how she had recently travelled to pursue her dreams in South Asia, only to have her life cut tragically short. Many have rallied to support them during this incredibly difficult time.