Iowa Family Of 4 Died From Toxic Fumes In Mexico: Authorities

CRESTON, IA — Four members of an Iowa family who were found dead in a rented condominium in Mexico died from inhaling toxic fumes, Mexican authorities said.

Kevin Sharp, 41, his wife, Amy Sharp, 38, and their two children Sterling, 12, and Adrianna, 7, were found dead early Friday in Tulum. Autopsies revealed the Creston family suffocated due to breathing in toxic gases, the attorney general of the State of Quintana Roo said in a Facebook post on Saturday. Violence and suicide were ruled out.

Forensic doctors determined the family had been dead for about 36 to 48 hours, the prosecutors office said. It wasn't immediately clear what type of gas caused their deaths.

Investigators don't believe the family was robbed because there were no signs of in disturbance in the condo. A suitcase containing electronics and personnel documents was found.

The family last contacted relatives on March 15 and said they'd arrived safely at the condo. Missing persons reports were filed through the U.S. Embassy in Mexico when the Sharps didn't get off plane in St. Louis or show up as expected on Thursday at a Southwest Community College basketball game in Darien, Illinois.

Kevin Sharp worked in beer distribution and was a successful stock car driver at the Adams County Speedway in southwestern Iowa, CNN reported. He finished in fourth place in last year's stock car series standings.

Photo credit: Attorney General of the State of Quintana Roo Facebook page