A couple died of a mysterious illness during holidays in Fiji: family

A young Texan couple died suddenly while he was on vacation in Fiji after a mysterious illness, his family said.

The families of David and Michelle Paul were shocked Monday by the call of the Fijian authorities to announce the news of the tragic death of the couple.

The couple was due to return to the United States on Tuesday.

The State Department spokesman told ABC News that he was overseeing the local investigation.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the family for their loss. We are closely monitoring the investigation of local authorities on the cause of death, "said the spokesman. "We are ready to provide all the appropriate consular assistance."

"They knew something was going on in their bodies"

The family said that early indications suggest that husband and wife contract a debilitating virus.

"They knew something was going on in their bodies and they were able to get to the hospital," said Tracey Calanog, Michelle's sister-in-law.

It seems that Michelle Paul died first and that David Paul died before he could be transported to Australia for further treatment.

Calanog added that the couple's remains, which leave two young children, can not be returned to the United States as long as a cause of death is not determined.

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