EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The family of two El Paso siblings who died during a trip to Mexico City filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Airbnb.
The complaint, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, names 35-year-old Hugo Morales and his 37-year-old sister, Laura Morales. The El Pasoans had reportedly traveled to Mexico City in February 2025 to attend a concert. According to the lawsuit, within hours of checking into their rental, Hugo turned on the hot water to shower, activating a fuel-burning water heater that caused carbon monoxide to “rapidly fill the apartment.” The unit allegedly lacked proper ventilation and did not have a functioning carbon monoxide detector. Both siblings died overnight.
Airbnb responded to the filing, acknowledging the family’s loss.
“Our thoughts remain with the Morales family and their loved ones in the wake of this tragedy.”
The lawsuit accuses Airbnb of failing to disclose the presence of the fuel-burning water heater and not warning guests about the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. It also claims the company did not require basic safety measures, despite being aware of similar incidents in the past.
Texas siblings found dead inside Airbnb while on vacation in Mexico City, reports say
The legal action comes more than a year after the siblings were found unconscious on Feb. 25 after police responded to a call at the rental property. Initial findings suggested a possible gas leak, with one burner on a stove reportedly left slightly open. Family members have said the siblings died of carbon monoxide poisoning, though officials have not publicly confirmed a final cause of death.
In a statement issued shortly after the deaths, an Airbnb spokesperson said the company’s priority was supporting those affected while authorities continued their investigation.
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