New York Woman’s Birthday Trip to Jamaica Ends in Death After Hospital Drop-Off Raises Questions

A 35-year-old New York woman who traveled to Jamaica to celebrate her birthday with her husband was later found dead after he reportedly brought her to a hospital in a wheelchair, according to authorities.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force said detectives assigned to the St. Mary Policing Division have arrested Dane Watson, who had previously been listed as a person of interest in connection with the death of his wife, Melissa Samnath.

Watson was taken into custody in Gayle, St. Mary, after being handed over by family members on May 15. Authorities said he was later transported to St. James, where he was placed in safe custody as the investigation continued.

Samnath, a Jamaican national and U.S. citizen living in New York, had reportedly traveled to Jamaica with Watson, whom investigators believe she married in December 2025, to celebrate her birthday.

The couple was seen on surveillance footage walking from Samnath’s Airbnb to Watson’s residence, with Watson carrying her suitcase hours before her death.

According to investigators, on April 29, Watson took Samnath to Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James and allegedly left shortly after assisting her from a motor vehicle and into the facility in a wheelchair.

Hospital staff later contacted police after Samnath was pronounced dead.

Detectives later searched a property in Norwood, St. James, where they reportedly recovered evidence connected to the investigation. A post-mortem examination conducted on May 6 determined that Samnath died from multiple blunt force injuries to the head.

Samnath’s sister, Liza Marie Samnath, said that she received chilling messages from Melissa the night she is believed to have been killed.

In the text exchange, in response to the question “how’s it going,” the person believed to be Melissa wrote: “I need you to call the cops. Look at my location. It's the pink house,” according to screenshots shared by TVJ.

According to family members, Melissa was remembered as a “strong, loving, and unforgettable woman whose warmth touched everyone around her.”

A GoFundMe page created by Ariel Jessica described Melissa as someone who loved traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with the people she cared about most.

“Her loss has left a deep pain in our family that words cannot fully express,” the fundraiser states.

“As our family navigates this difficult time, we are preparing to honor Melissa with the peaceful and beautiful farewell she deserves. For anyone who has asked how they can support, this page has been created to help with funeral and memorial expenses.”

The message added that while donations are appreciated, “any donation, prayer, or kind message means more to our family than we can put into words.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the love, support, and compassion that has already been shown during this heartbreaking time,” the fundraiser continued. “Please continue to keep Melissa and our family in your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate her life and cherish the memories she gave us.”

The investigation remains ongoing.