By Caribbean Medical News Staff
It is a nightmare for the extended family, friends and loved ones of a family of four from Delaware who went to the USVI for a vacation in paradise.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that they have found the presence of a banned substance in the vacation Villa Steve Esmond and his dentist wife Dr Theresa Devine rented on the island.
Esmond is unable to walk while the two teenage sons remain in a coma with severe respiratory trauma and are said to be in critical condition. The family was staying at Sirenusa Condominium Resort on the island of St. John. Reports suggest that the father still cannot walk since his discharge two weeks ago and his wife Dr. Devine and the children continue to fight. Dr Devine is receiving occupational therapy after her discharge but the boys remain in a coma at a Pennsylvania Hospital after the entire family was airlifted off the island.
“The boys are in rough shape” said James Maron, the family’s attorney.
The EPA’s Elias Rodriguez said initial tests indicate the “presence of methyl bromide in the unit where the family was staying’. The odourless substance can be fatal or cause serious damage to the respiratory and central nervous system.
Rodriguez also said that the EPA is still on island and the investigation continues into the presence of the pesticide in the Villa.
Meanwhile fans of the sons are posting prayers and well wishes on the Facebook pages of the children who remain in critical condition.
