2 SISTERS DIED OF EXCESS FLUID IN THEIR LUNGS

victoria, seychelles » Two American sisters found dead in their tropical island villa while vacationing in Seychelles died of excess fluid in their lungs, according to police in the African archipelago nation.

Annie Marie Korkki, 37, of Denver and Robin Marie Korkki, 42, of Chicago were found motionless in the bed of their villa last week by hotel staff at the Maia resort on Mahe, Seychelles’ main island. Police spokesperson Jean Toussaint told local media that the women were seen drinking and were helped to their room by hotel personnel the night before they were found dead.

Autopsies conducted Wednesday determined that the sisters died from acute pulmonary edema, or having fluid in their lungs. Cerebral edema, or fluid in the brain, was also cited in Annie Korkki’s death. The report also said no visible signs of injuries were found.

Many things can cause acute pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, said Dr. Patrick Lank, a Northwestern Medicine assistant professor of emergency medicine in Chicago. Emergency rooms commonly see it in drug overdoses, he said, but it might also come from a viral infection.

“Two people at the same time is odd,” Lank said. “It suggests more of a toxicologic or environmental cause, or a potential infection if they’re traveling together.”