A getaway to Aruba ended in tragedy for a Chicago-area couple after police say a man either fell or jumped from a hotel balcony, and his partner was later found dead inside their room at a Palm Beach resort. Responding officers discovered the man unresponsive outside the St. Regis Aruba Resort, and emergency personnel were unable to revive him. Authorities have not released the victims' names or a cause of death, and say the case remains under active investigation.
Aruba Police Detail Balcony Fall and Room Discovery
According to EA News Aruba, police dispatch received a call at 8:44 a.m. Sunday reporting that someone had fallen from a balcony at the St. Regis Hotel. First responders arrived to find an American man who showed no signs of life. Investigators and a forensic doctor processed the scene and then checked the guests' room, where they located a woman who also showed no signs of life. EA News Aruba reported that a preliminary investigation indicated the man jumped from one of the hotel's highest floors and that both victims were U.S. nationals.
Chicago Connection and Stateside Coverage
CBS News Chicago described the pair as a Chicago-area couple in a brief segment, noting that Aruba authorities had not yet released identifying information. The station relayed statements from local police about the scene and reported that investigators are continuing to work the case.
Investigation Still Open
Local coverage in Aruba has called the incident “triest en uitzonderlijk” — tragic and unusual — and reported that police have extended condolences to the families while pressing forward with the investigation, according to Aruba.nu. Authorities have not made any formal determination on the cause or manner of death and have asked anyone with information to contact local investigators.
