Family of suburban mother found dead at Aruba hotel after husband jumped from roof speaks out

The family of a suburban mother of five released a statement four days after she was found dead in an Aruba hotel room after her husband jumped to his death from the roof.

The 52-year-old woman was found dead in a room at the St. Regis Hotel in Aruba Sunday morning while police were investigating the death of her husband, who was found after he jumped from the roof of the hotel, police said.

Around 8:44 a.m., police were notified that a person had fallen from a balcony at the hotel and appeared dead. At the scene, police and medics confirmed a male American tourist later identified as B. Jozic, or Boris Jozic, died after jumping from the top floor of the hotel, authorities said.

During an investigation, police and hotel staff went to check the victim’s room and found a woman who was also dead, authorities said. She was later identified as C. Jozic, or Christina Gatia.

A local paper in Aruba, Diario, is reporting police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide, though NBC Chicago could not independently confirm those details.

“Cristina was a mother of five, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a valued member of her family and community,” her family said. “She will be remembered for her dedication to her loved ones and the positive influence she had on those around her.”

Posts from Jan. 1 on a Facebook page belonging to a user named “Boris Cristina Jozic” appear to show a couple from Wilmette on vacation in Aruba at the MooMba Beach Bar and Restaurant, located just over a mile north of the hotel where the incident occurred. The duo also appears to share the Instagram account @chitownfitcouple, advertising themselves gym owners and personal trainers.

Videos and photos captured by NBC Chicago photographers showed separate memorials for Boris and Cristina were erected inside and outside the couple’s gym, Steel Fitness Club, located at 5814 Dempster Street in Morton Grove.

The family said they are “experiencing a profound loss” and are focused on “mourning and honoring Cristina’s life.”

Gatia’s family said they appreciate “the support, condolences, and respect shown by the community and respectfully requests privacy as they continue to grieve,” in the statement.

The Steel Fitness Cafe where Gatia worked posted a memorial on Instagram Monday, writing, “With heavy and broken hearts, we share the tragic loss of our beloved Mama, Cristina Gatia. Our hearts are shattered, and our family is grieving deeply.”