Tourist dies on return flight from DR: Autopsy reveals “natural death”

Santo Domingo.- An autopsy performed on Stefanie Smith, the 41-year-old tourist who suddenly passed away on a flight back from the Dominican Republic, has determined that the cause of her death was a dissection of the carotid artery in the neck, a serious medical condition that can restrict blood flow to the brain and result in a stroke.

Smith’s unexpected death shocked her family and friends, who initially speculated about a possible foul play. However, the information provided by the National Institute of Health and reported by ABC News completely rules out this possibility.

Stefanie was enjoying a vacation at the luxurious Iberostar Grand Bávaro in Punta Cana with a group of friends. During her stay, she maintained an exercise routine and enjoyed the resort’s amenities without experiencing any health problems.

She was on board American Airlines flight AA1792 taking her back home to North Carolina when the unfortunate event occurred. Authorities in Turks and Caicos had launched an investigation into the case, which took place on February 28. Due to the seriousness of the passenger’s symptoms, the plane had to make an emergency landing on the islands.

Her friend María Yannotti described Stefanie as “a ball of energy and personality,” emphasizing how safe and enjoyable their trip was until it was marred by this tragedy.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of unexpected health conditions and the fragility of life, even during moments of joy and relaxation.