It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved agent, Cristian Marin, his mother Nubia Romero, and his two children, Victoria and Juan Camilo, in a tragic boating accident on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. This heartbreaking incident has profoundly affected all who knew them, leaving an irreplaceable void in our community. Cristian, Nubia, Victoria, and Juan Camilo were not just family members to those closest to them—they were pillars of love, joy, and support to the broader community as well. Their loss is felt deeply, and the grief is immeasurable as we try to process the tragic events that have taken them from us so suddenly.
On Friday, March 21, 2025, tragedy struck as an 18-foot vessel carrying eight passengers capsized near the Dames Point Bridge on the St. Johns River. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) responded promptly, rescuing four individuals from the water. Tragically, one person was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. Three others, including two children, were initially reported missing. The chaos and panic that followed this accident left many in shock, struggling to come to terms with the scope of the disaster. Despite the swift response of the emergency services, the search and rescue operations proved to be challenging, and after over 17 hours of searching, the operation was suspended, as no new information could be obtained.
Cristian Marin, a dedicated father and a beloved member of our team, tragically lost his life in this accident, along with his mother, Nubia, and his two children, Victoria and Juan Camilo. Cristian’s death marks the loss of not only a colleague but a friend to many. His presence was always one of warmth, laughter, and dedication. Known for his relentless work ethic, Cristian was a pillar of support to those who worked alongside him, and his passion for life shone through in everything he did. He was not just a hardworking professional but a devoted father who adored his children and was always there for them, guiding them with love and care. His life, though cut short, was a testament to the strength of family and the importance of community. He lived his life with integrity and always put his loved ones first, showing what it truly meant to be a dedicated and caring father.
Nubia Romero, Cristian’s mother, had recently traveled from Colombia to visit her family. Her presence brought warmth and comfort, and she was a source of joy and love for everyone around her. As a mother and grandmother, she poured all her love and care into her family, always ensuring that they were supported and cherished. Nubia’s passing is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her nurturing spirit and devotion to her family were evident in everything she did. Her loss has left an irreplaceable void, and her family, friends, and the community will forever remember her kindness, her love for life, and the immense care she had for everyone she encountered.
Victoria and Juan Camilo, Cristian’s children, were young souls full of promise and love. Their laughter and vibrant energy brightened every room they entered, and their affection for others was evident in everything they did. They were two children with so much life ahead of them, and the loss of such young lives is an indescribable tragedy that will forever haunt those who knew them. Victoria, with her curiosity and sweet spirit, and Juan Camilo, with his playful nature and radiant smile, were truly gifts to this world. The community mourns the loss of these precious lives, and their memories will live on in the hearts of their family and friends.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Jacksonville community has come together to support the surviving members of the family. Vigils and prayer gatherings have been held, providing comfort and support for the grieving family. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have expressed their condolences, highlighting the profound impact the Marin family had on the lives of those around them. The outpouring of love and support has been a testament to the positive influence Cristian, Nubia, Victoria, and Juan Camilo had on the community, and it is through these acts of kindness that the family finds solace during this incredibly difficult time.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Paula Valderrama, Cristian’s wife and the mother of Victoria and Juan Camilo, as she navigates this unimaginable loss. Paula is left to carry the weight of this tragic event alone, and the community has come together to offer support during her time of need. The generosity shown by those who have contributed to the campaign has been heartwarming and is a reflection of the deep respect and love that the Marin family has earned. The funds raised will help Paula with funeral expenses, medical costs, and other financial burdens during this challenging period. The community continues to rally around Paula, offering comfort and assistance, and providing her with the strength to get through this devastating time.
As the search efforts continue for the remaining missing child, hope remains that closure will be brought to this heartbreaking situation. The dedication of the rescue teams, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, reflects the collective desire of the community to find the missing child and bring closure to this tragic incident. The search may have been suspended, but the hope and support from the community remain strong as they wait for further news.
The loss of Cristian, Nubia, Victoria, and Juan Camilo has touched the hearts of many, and their memory will forever live on in the lives they touched. The Marin family will never be forgotten, and their legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to their family and community will continue to inspire all who knew them. Their sudden and tragic passing is a reminder of how fleeting life can be, and how important it is to cherish every moment with those we love. The grief and pain felt by those closest to the family cannot be fully expressed in words, but as a community, we stand with them and offer our support during this time of unimaginable sorrow.
As we remember the Marin family, let us hold their memory close in our hearts. They were a family filled with love, strength, and compassion, and their legacy will continue to guide us all. We extend our deepest sympathies to Paula and the rest of the family, and we hope that they find some comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone during this difficult time. May they find peace and strength as they navigate the days ahead, and may the Marin family rest in peace.
The memory of Cristian, Nubia, Victoria, and Juan Camilo will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved them, and they will never be forgotten. May their spirits shine brightly, inspiring us all to live with love, compassion, and gratitude for the time we have with our loved ones. Rest in peace. GoFundMe
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