The mortal remains of Sandra Mayela Chacón, born in Costa Rica but a longtime resident of the United States, laid in repose at Base Two of the Air Surveillance Service in the province of Alajuela, located next to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

The late Ms. Chacón spent the weekend at Base Two next to another U.S. resident from California, a Peruvian woman who had decided to adopt Ms. Chacón’s choice of lifestyle: Reside in the U.S. and travel the world as strong, independent women who were disappointed with the eroding security in their respective Latin American home nations, according to statements from survivors who befriended the women during their Caribbean vacation.

According to a report issued by the Forensic and Medical Examiner section of the Office of Judicial Investigations, the Peruvian woman is now the only one from the Corn Island tragedy that has gone unclaimed, for Ms. Chacón was claimed at noon today.

Property records indicate the Ms. Chacón was the owner of a home in the upscale Pinares neighborhood of Curridabat, located in the eastern suburbs of San José. Ms. Chacón did not enjoy living with bars on her windows and concertina wire lining the top of her tall fence; she moved with her daughter to California, from where she was able to fulfill her dream to travel the world.

Although property records show that Ms. Chacón’s husband also has title to the property, it is not known whether her life in California included her husband.

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, 32 tourists boarded the Reina del Caribe tour boat on Saturday from Corn Island. Their intention was returning to Great Corn Island and later to Managua as their vacations were coming to an end. Most of the passengers were from Costa Rica, with some from the United States and the United Kingdom; the crew of the Reina del Caribe were all from Nicaragua.

The Reina del Caribe capsized in rough seas midway to Great Corn Island; 13 tourist whose trip originated in our country drowned. The government of Costa Rica declared a national day of mourning for the victims.

The Costa Rica Star herewith extends deepest condolences to the loved ones whom Ms. Chacón left behind. May she rest in eternal peace.