January 20, 2026
I write this post with a heavy heart, tragedy has struck our happy Community. One of our much loved, founding residents had a heart attack and sadly didn't recover, as we sailed to Moorea.
Friday night, a large group of us had dined together, to celebrate another's Birthday and then we had a Latin Dance Party afterwards in the Lounge. Chaz ( pictured in the middle above - from the day before) had been out dancing Salsa, (which he loved to do) and then went to the bar, sitting on a stool there, when he collapsed. Despite immediate resuscitation, he did not regain consciousness. We have all been a bit numb and in disbelief since it happened. His best friend and travel companion for the last 9 years, Alex (pictured to left of him above) was by his side and gave the doctors, his pressing medical history.
I think we all knew, tragedy was bound to happen one of these days, since we have been sailing for over a year now. But none of us saw it coming that night, nor with the seemingly energetic Chaz.
Chaz and Alex were the first people I met who had signed up for residency on the Villa Vie Odyssey, after I purchased my cabin, in December of 2023. I met them in Puerto Vallarta in January of 2025, while I was there for a month., waiting for the adventure to start.
It was great to get insights from them and I always enjoyed my time with them both, on board the Ship and on excursions. One of my favorite memories is shopping for Halloween supplies, with them and Ben last year.They all had very different ideas on what is the best way to stuff a bra, to portray the very well endowed figure of Melody. Chaz and Ben are barely recognizable below as they imitated the fellow legends on boar the Ship, John and Melody.
Rest is peace dear Chaz.
It was a great pleasure to get to know you and spend time with you, on this fantastic journey.
