Chicago Woman, Sister Mysteriously Found Dead While Vacationing at Luxury Resort

The sisters, described as loving and adventurous best friends, were found dead lying in the same bed

A Minnesota family is trying to understand how two sisters wound up dead while on what was supposed to be a “dream vacation” at a paradise island in the Indian Ocean.

Robin Korkki, who was living in Chicago at the time, and her sister Annie Korkki checked into their villa at Maia Luxury Resort and Spa in the Seychelles around noon Thursday, Sept. 15.

Their bodies were found one week later.

"It's all very surreal," said their brother, Chris Korkki, who lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis where the sisters grew up. "We don't know very much. Our family is still very much in shock. We're devastated."

Chris Korkki said his sisters were healthy and adventurous women who “definitely wanted to experience life to the fullest.”

The two had rented a $2,000-a-night beachside villa in the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands more than 800 miles off Africa’s east coast known for its idyllic beaches and high-end luxury resorts.

Annie Korkki, 37, worked as a senior administrative assistant at JPMorgan Chase in Denver, NBC News reports. Robin Korkki was a successful trader working in Chicago's Loop.

Both documented the first week of their trip on social media, sharing photos showing them soaking up the sun on the ledge of a picturesque infinite pool, drinking local wine, seeing exotic animals and goofing around.

“BEST PLACE EVER!!!!!” Annie Korkki captioned one of her photos.

It was around 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 22, two days before their scheduled departure, that the hotel’s butler arrived to find the sliding door of their villa locked, the same way he said it had been left the night before, according to local newspaper Seychelles Nation.

As the hours passed by with no movement coming from the typically boisterous women’s room, he alerted hotel management, Seychelles Nation reports.

Authorities found the sisters unresponsive, lying in the same bed. They were pronounced dead by medical staff a short time after, police said.

Police said there were no signs of obvious trauma or violence found on their bodies

"There were no marks on them whatsoever," Seychelles Tourism Minister Alain St Ange told NBC News. "They had a good time in the day and then they went to their room."

Seychelles Police spokesperson Jean Toussaint said the women had been consuming alcohol throughout the day, according to Seychelles Nation.

“The last time they were seen drinking alcohol was at around quarter to seven and they were helped to their bedroom by hotel personnel at around 8.15 pm,” Toussaint said.

That was the last time they were seen alive.

Chris Korkki and his mother have since traveled to the island to press officials for answers and said the family is “trying to find the cause.” He says they haven't been told anything by the local authorities. His mother has also been talking with the U.S. Embassy.

"At this point, the only details we know are the articles flying around online," he told The Star-Tribune.

A GiveForward page has been started to help the family with expenses, NBC 5 affiliate KARE reports.

"Robin and Annie were loving sisters and best friends. They were loved by many," wrote the page creator, Kim Haller. "Their mother (Sue) and brother (Mike) are currently in Seychelles making arrangements for Robin and Annie to make the journey back to the USA so their family can be whole again. They could really use our help and support so they can focus on what's important. Please consider donating so they can begin the healing process as a family. Thank You!"

Local media reported autopsies are scheduled for later this week.

Contact Us