Local

Jacksonville woman cancels trip to Dominican Republic after national reports of tourist deaths

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local woman canceled her trip to the Dominican Republic after hearing reports of eight Americans who died while vacationing in the Dominican Republic.

The latest, a woman in her 50’s who was celebrating her birthday, was found dead in her hotel room.

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The pristine beaches on the island of the Dominican Republic are what lure close to 6 million travelers every year.

MORE: 7th American tourist dead in Dominican Republic while celebrating her birthday

But some are canceling their vacation in paradise amid reports of  mysterious illness and deaths.

Rhea Rodriguez and her family planned a four-night getaway to Punta Cana in July.

Rodriguez paid $500 to cancel the plans.

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“It was not a risk I was willing to take, or if I went, I would not have peace of mind.” Rodriguez said.

Several families said their loved ones had a drink from a hotel minibar in the Dominican Republic before falling ill and dying.

A local travel agent with Discount Travel said no one who planned a trip to the Dominican Republic with the agency has canceled it thus far.