Nearly a dozen people who have recently visited the Dominican Republic died, and many more became ill after visiting certain hotels.

Some of the tourists felt sick after eating or drinking items from the hotel minibars. Other tourists have died of heart attacks and respiratory issues. Officials in the Dominican Republic have stated that the deaths are not connected, but have introduced new safety measures.

To date, 11 tourists have died, and many others have experienced illness after drinking or eating something in mini bars at these hotels, which include Terra Linda Resort in Sousa, in Punta Gunta, Grand Bahia Principe, and Hard Rock & Casino and the Grand Bahia Principe in La Romana.

Some tourists are scared to go back to the Dominican Republic because of the deaths, but the Dominican Republic government states that tourists shouldn’t be afraid of going there.

While talking to Time Magazine, The Dominican Republic Tourist Minister said, “The country is the safest place to visit because of our initiatives.”

Vherny Rustrian ’19, stated, “It is the most welcoming place to visit. Tourists should not be afraid to go there, even after the deaths and illnesses.”

The FBI got involved, and the Dominican Republic is looking for the truth behind the incidents. Many tourists think that the deaths are connected, and someone is behind it all. Others think every death is separate from the others.

The FBI has done toxicology reports and has come up with an answer, which was recently released to the public, according to news reports. Foul play has been ruled out as an answer to the deaths.

The Dominican Republic Tourist Minister said the investigation is “overblown and aimed to damage the Dominican Republic’s stellar reputation as a ‘model’ tourist country.”

Tourism is a big industry for the Dominican Republic, and tourists, while not afraid, do not want to be the next victims. For the families of the deceased, however, the Dominican Republic is not a safe place to visit.

The victims of these incidents range in age from 31 to 78 and were there for many reasons which include, celebrating birthdays, vacationing, and celebrating Father’s Day.
The time frame of these events happening is between April and July 2019.

While the FBI continues its investigation, the Dominican Tourist Ministry is conducting their own investigation but continues to say that the country is safe, and will continue to be safe for tourists. The United States has not issued a warning but has kept Dominican Republic level two security, which means caution to people traveling there.

Still, tourists come to the Dominican Republic because “it’s a beautiful place and the family vibe it provides,” according to Rustrian. “Who wouldn’t want to go to the Dominican Republic?”