Vacations are supposed to be happy escapes from the “real world,” and that is especially true of island and beach vacations. When my husband and I honeymooned in Tulum, Mexico, I couldn’t feel anything but unmitigated joy. But occasionally — and admittedly very rarely — others have darker intentions when they book these kinds of getaways. It appears a man from the US recently did just that.
According to People, the Aruba Police Force claimed to respond to a report that a man had plunged from a St. Regis Hotel balcony in Noord. When authorities arrived, they determined he had jumped from the top floor. The man showed no signs of life and was declared dead at the scene. But when investigators searched the guest’s room they made a gruesome discovery: the body of a dead woman.
In a follow-up investigation, authorities identified the man as B. Jozic, 45, and the woman as his wife, C. Jozic, 52; authorities originally didn’t reveal their first names. They are investigating it as a murder-suicide.
NBC Chicago reported that a Facebook page belonging to a user named “Boris Cristina Jozic” showed a couple from the Wilmette area on vacation dining at the MooMba Beach Bar and Restaurant just a mile north of the hotel where the bodies were found. The outlet also reportedly shared an Instagram account that advertised the two as gym owners and personal trainers in the Chicago area.
The family of a Cristina Gatia, whose photo resembles the photo of the woman on the shared Jozic account, set up a GoFundMe account in her honor to help pay for funeral expenses. Further investigation revealed that Cristina Gatia also ran another local business, The Healthy Donut, that focused on protein-packed and gluten-free confections that were beloved by the community.
“Such a kind soul who only wanted the best for her clients,” commented one broken-hearted patron on Instagram.
“One of the best human beings I’ve come across to in my life,” added another commenter. “Thanks to KC who introduced me to her, and Cristina right away just spoke to me like we were already friends…her replies to me were always ‘ofc my dear,’ RIP friend.”
Customers and community members filled the bench outside her shop with dozens of flower bouquets and memorial tributes.
“She was a proud mother of five, a loving grandmother, a devoted daughter, loving sister, cherished aunt, and a dear friend to so many,” the organizer wrote on the fundraiser page. “She poured her heart into her family and was deeply passionate about health and fitness, always encouraging others to become the best version of themselves. Whether as a mother, mentor, or friend, Cristina showed up with love, strength, and compassion.”
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
