Firefighter’s Fiancee Died from Drug ‘Intoxication,” His 2nd Girlfriend to Die Under Suspicious Circumstances

A Missouri fire captain’s fiancee died from “intoxication” of multiple drugs, and her manner of death was listed as “undetermined.”

The St. Louis County Medical Examiner said that Sarah Sweeney, a 39-year-old podiatrist, was found dead at the home of Robert Daus on January 13 — the second of his fiancee’s to die mysteriously. Grace Holland, 35, was found dead in his home in 2022 from a single gunshot wound to the head, which he said she inflicted herself.

St. Louis County Police opened a new probe into her death after Holland’s family filed a wrongful death suit against Daus, claiming that he either shot her himself or his abuse prompted her to kill herself, as CrimeOnline reported. That review was completed in December, but the department did not make a ruling on the manner of death.

Documents obtained by an attorney in a lawsuit Sweeney filed against her previously employer indicate she believed Daus was abusive to her as well. That lawsuit has been halted in light of Sweeney’s death.

Chief Medical Examiner Gershom Norfleet listed the cause of Sweeney’s death as “Oxycodone, Gabapentin, and Diphenydramine Intoxication,”KMOV reported. The full autopsy results have not been released.

Sweeney’s family released a statement saying they have “complete confidence” in the work of the medical examiner’s office and the Frontenac Police Department.

“There is still an ongoing police investigation, so we kindly ask that you continue to respect our privacy,” the statement said. “We have no further comments to make. Our hope is to close this chapter of our lives soon so that we can grieve, move on, and continue to honor the memory of our Sarah.”

Holland’s death took place in the city of Creve Coeur.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Featured image: Sarah Sweeney, Robert Daus, and Grace Holland/Facebook]