A U.S. Coast Guard reservist, his wife and their two children were found dead inside their Ocala home Friday night in what authorities believe may have been a case of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said deputies conducted a welfare check at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 at a residence about 70 miles northwest of Orlando. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Yohan Sanchez, 33; his wife, Rebeca Santos; her 15-year-old son, Michael Melendez; and the couple’s 2-year-old son, Samuel Sanchez.Investigators said foul play is not suspected.
While preliminary findings indicate the family may have been exposed to carbon monoxide — an odorless, colorless and potentially deadly gas — the official cause of death remains pending confirmation by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Investigators suspect the deaths may be the result of carbon monoxide poisoning; however, the official cause of death is pending confirmation,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Detectives continue to investigate.According to family members, concern grew after the family missed a church event Thursday evening.
The family’s pastor initially stopped by the home but received no response. When he returned Friday and again was unable to make contact, he called 911.
Sanchez’s mother, Jackie Soto, told Fox 35 she had spoken with her son just hours before his death. She described the conversation as brief and routine, saying he had been baking a cake at the time.Family members described Sanchez as a devoted husband, father and man of faith. His sister, Noel Sanchez, said he “proudly served” in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve before retiring last year.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral expenses.His brother, Sendy Sanchez, told WESH 2 that the family had moved to Florida about a year ago after meeting through church in Massachusetts.
He described his brother as deeply committed to his family, faith and public service.“Nobody’s expecting this type of tragedy,” he said. “We’re just devastated.”
Neighbors said the family had lived in the home for approximately 10 months and were known for being friendly and kind.Michael Melendez, a ninth grader at Ocala Christian Academy, was remembered by school officials as an engaged student and active member of his church community.
Administrator Randy Osborn told the Ocala Star-Banner that Michael had been preparing to preach Thursday evening and was recognized by faculty for his leadership and dedication to studying the Bible.
“He enjoyed playing the piano, but more importantly, strived to serve God and others,” Osborn said.The Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to the family’s loved ones, calling the deaths an “incredibly difficult” loss for the community.
