Tragic Discovery: Coast Guard Veteran and Family Found Deceased in Florida Home

A tragic discovery in Florida has left a Coast Guard veteran, his spouse, and their two children dead, with investigators suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook that deputies arrived at a home on Banyan Track Way for a welfare check around 10:25 p.m. on Saturday, where they found the family deceased.

The deceased have been identified as 33-year-old Yohan Sanchez, his 37-year-old wife Rebeca Santos, their 15-year-old son Michael Melendez, and 2-year-old Samuel Sanchez.

While authorities believe carbon monoxide exposure may be responsible for the deaths, the official cause is yet to be confirmed by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

A photo from the scene shows a Marion County Sheriff Forensic Unit vehicle in Florida, dated Saturday, February 7, 2026. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

The Sheriff’s Office said no foul play is suspected, and the investigation is ongoing.

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.