Child, 4, orphaned after parents die in hot tub

A Brazilian couple have died in tragic circumstances after being found unresponsive in a hotel bathtub following a night of partying to celebrate their young daughter’s birthday.

Jeferson Luiz Sagaz, 37, a military police officer, and Ana Carolina Silva, 41, who owned a nail salon, were last seen on the night of August 11 in São José, Brazil. The pair had spent the day celebrating their four-year-old daughter’s birthday at a local food park before deciding to go out clubbing later that night, The Sun reports.

They left their child in the care of Jeferson’s sister and checked into the Dallas Motel shortly after midnight, reportedly planning to continue the celebrations privately.

When the couple failed to return the next day, relatives became alarmed and contacted authorities. Police later discovered their bodies inside the motel room.

CCTV footage revealed that Jeferson and Ana had entered the bathroom together and later appeared to lose consciousness in a bathtub filled with hot water. The temperature of the water was measured at 50°C (122°F).

Toxicology results showed high levels of alcohol and traces of cocaine in both of their systems, according to Globo G1 (via News.com.au).

Chief Medical Examiner Andressa Boer Fronza determined that the couple died from “exogenous poisoning, favouring the process of heatstroke with intense dehydration, thermal collapse, culminating in organ failure and death.”

In other words, their deaths were caused by a combination of factors, including substance use and prolonged exposure to heat.

Authorities carried out 16 forensic tests to rule out drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, and foul play. Investigators also confirmed that a space heater had been operating in the room, contributing to the extreme heat.

Police Chief Simão noted that neither Jeferson nor Ana were known to use cocaine and suggested their physical reaction to the drug, compounded by alcohol and high temperatures, may have proved fatal.