Atlanta

Woman died from Legionnaires' after stay at Sheraton; autopsy confirms disease

ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has confirmed the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease tied to a downtown Atlanta hotel has now turned deadly.

The Georgia Department of Health confirmed the death Tuesday afternoon. Channel 2 Action News obtained a copy of the autopsy that shows Cameo Garrett died from "coronary artery atherosclerosis aggravated by Legionella pneumonia."

[READ: What is Legionnaires' disease? FAQs about the severe form of pneumonia]

Last month, Channel 2's Tom Jones spoke with Garrett's father, Al Garrett, who said he suspected his daughter died from the illness.

"She said she was having stomach problems and intestinal problems," Garrett said.

Authorities said there have been 12 lab-confirmed cases, including Garrett's death, and 61 probable cases of Legionnaires' disease are related to an outbreak at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.

[READ: 11 confirmed, 55 probable cases of Legionnaires' disease]

After learning about the outbreak last month, the Sheraton said it would remain closed through at least Aug. 11 as crews find the source of the exposure.

Ken Peduzzi, the General Manager of Sheraton Atlanta sent Channel 2 Action News this statement:

"Sheraton Atlanta continues to work closely with public health officials and environmental experts to determine if the hotel is the source of the Legionella outbreak. Testing of the property happened last week, and the hotel has voluntarily moved ahead with precautionary remedial activities while awaiting results.  The health and safety of our employees and guests is our top priority. Sheraton Atlanta remains closed until at least August 11. " 

Legionnaires' disease is a type of lung infection that is caused by bacteria living in warm water. You get it by breathing in affected water droplets and there are many ways to be exposed.

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