An ex-Coast Guard member, along with his spouse and two children, were discovered deceased in their Florida residence, with investigators suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office shared on Facebook that they conducted a welfare check at a home on Banyan Track Way around 10:25 p.m. on Saturday, where they found the family lifeless.
The deceased have been identified as 33-year-old Yohan Sanchez, 37-year-old Rebeca Santos, 15-year-old Michael Melendez, and 2-year-old Samuel Sanchez.
While authorities believe carbon monoxide exposure may be to blame, the Medical Examiner’s Office is still working to officially determine the cause of death.
A vehicle from the Marion County Sheriff Forensic Unit was spotted at the scene in Florida on Saturday, February 7, 2026. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)
Officials have stated that there is no indication of foul play, though the investigation continues.
Fox 35 Orlando spoke with Sanchez’s mother and brother, who said the family is struggling to process the sudden loss.
Jackie Soto told the outlet that she had just spoken with her son by phone the night before he died.
She said their conversation was short and routine, and he was baking a cake at the time.
A retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran and his family were found dead in their Marion County, Florida, home on Feb. 7, 2026, due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. (Sanchez Family)
“I don’t believe it. This is my baby,” Soto said.
Sanchez’s brother, Sendy, said his brother and sister-in-law met through their church in Massachusetts and moved to Florida about a year ago.
He described Sanchez as deeply committed to his family, faith and public service.
“Nobody’s expecting this type of tragedy,” he told Fox 35. “We’re just devastated.”
U.S. Coast Guard veteran Yohan Sanchez and his mother Jackie Soto. (Sanchez Family)
The local station reported that the U.S. Coast Guard is covering funeral costs for Sanchez, but not for his wife or children.
Coast Guard funeral benefits typically apply only to service members, meaning arrangements for family members are left to relatives.
