A report released by the Medical Examiner’s office this week has ruled a woman’s death inside a hotel pool accidental.
Gayle Yonai, 62, of Montebello, Calif., was found face down inside a manmade pond at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa on Vacation Dr. on the night of Aug. 16.
Officials said Yonai and her husband were guests at the hotel. Preliminary investigations revealed Yonai was smoking near the pool of water on resort grounds while her husband allegedly took a nap.
When her husband woke up and couldn't find her, he asked security for assistance. Officials found her in the pond. CPR was administered, but she was pronounced dead on the scene.
On Aug. 17, police announced they were investigating Yonai’s death as a homicide after the medical examiner discovered “unexplained injuries” to Yonai during an autopsy. Further testing had yet to be done at that time. No one was named a suspect or person of interest in the investigation.
On Oct. 9, a new report released by the ME concluded that Yonai’s death was an accidental drowning. Contributing conditions listed on the report include ethanol abuse.
Her cause of death is expected to be amended within 90 days, once further information is evaluated, the report said.
Check back for updates.
