Incident Reported Early Sunday Morning
Authorities in Aruba are investigating the deaths of a married couple from the United States after a man fell from a hotel balcony and his wife was later found deceased inside their room.
The Aruba Police Force said officers were called to the St Regis Hotel in Noord at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Sunday January 4 after hotel staff reported that a person had fallen from a balcony. Upon arrival police found a man on the ground with no signs of life. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that the man had jumped from the top floor of the hotel.
Second Body Discovered Inside Hotel Room
After securing the scene police and hotel staff went to check the man’s hotel room. Inside they discovered the body of a woman who was later identified as his spouse. Authorities confirmed that the woman was also deceased when found.
The Aruba Police Force described the situation as a regrettable and unusual case. No cause of death for the woman has been publicly confirmed at this time.
Victims Identified by Authorities
In a follow up statement police identified the man as B. Jozic age 45 originally from Bosnia and the woman as C. Jozic age 52 originally from the Philippines. Both were residents of the United States visiting Aruba at the time of their deaths. Authorities did not initially release their first names.
Family members later identified the woman as Cristina Gatia. According to relatives she was a mother of five and a grandmother.
Investigation Ongoing
Local media in Aruba reported that police are investigating the case as a possible murder suicide. Officials have not released further details and said the investigation remains ongoing.
Police in Aruba stated that many questions remain surrounding the circumstances of the deaths. No additional information has been made public as authorities continue their inquiry.
Community Response in the United States
The couple reportedly owned a gym called Steel Fitness in Morton Grove Illinois. CBS News Chicago reported that a memorial has been growing outside the business in the days following the incident.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has also been established to support the family of Cristina Gatia. The organizer described her as a devoted mother grandmother and community member who was deeply passionate about health fitness and helping others.
Authorities in Aruba have not announced when further updates will be released.
