IL Couple Shared New Year's Pics Before Deaths In Aruba: 'Forever Vibes'

MORTON GROVE, IL — A local couple, who died in an apparent murder-suicide last weekend while vacationing in Aruba, looked to be enjoying their time on the island just days before the incident, according to social media posts. Boris Jovic, 45, and his wife, Cristina Gatia Jovic, 52, owners of Steel Fitness and Café in Morton Grove, died Sunday at the St. Regis Hotel.

According to police in Aruba, an investigation revealed that Gatia was found dead in the couple's room after hotel staff told authorities a guest had fallen from a balcony at around 8:45 a.m.

RELATED: Illinois Gym Owners Found Dead In Aruba — Report

"So the man would have killed his wife, and then jumped off the balcony to end his own life," reports Diario, an Aruba news outlet, according to an English translation. "Yet, all the details of this have to be investigated."

A police spokesperson told Diario that it "is a regrettable and unusual case, but the investigation by the authorities concerned will help clarify the matter."

On a Facebook account shared by the couple, a Jan. 1 post included photos of the Wilmette residents seemingly enjoying their time in Aruba. "Ending the year hot, happy, and a little spoiled/Aruba nights + forever vibes," the post reads and includes several photos of Jovic and Gatia smiling.

The family of Gatia, who was originally from the Philippines, said she was the mother of five children, as well as a grandmother. Vera Jovanovic, Gatia's daughter-in-law, is organizing a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral and memorial expenses. As of Thursday morning, the campaign had raised more than its goal of $20,000 with $35,000 donated in three days. She told Patch that information regarding services will be shared when they're ironed out.

"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," the GoFundMe reads. "Whether as a mother, mentor, or friend, Cristina showed up with love, strength, and compassion."

An Instagram post from Steel City Fitness, dated Dec. 25, shows the couple next to a Christmas tree. Gatia was also the owner and baker at The Healthy Donut Co., which operated out of Steel Fitness Café at 5814 Dempster St. The company specialized in freshly baked protein donuts and was featured on Good Day Chicago last July.