A former US Army soldier and his boyfriend have been found dead on the floor of a cabin on a cruise ship sailing on the West Coast.
The dead body of Tulio Goncalves Lacerda, 32, a former US Army soldier who was from the municipality of Itaipe, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, but who joined the US military to get citizenship, was found on Monday afternoon, 30th October.
His boyfriend, Jason Aguirre, whose age was not disclosed, was also found dead in the same cabin. The ship was sailing near the coast of Los Angeles in the state of California at the time.
Tulio had moved to the USA and joined the Army in 2015 in order to get a green card and gain American citizenship.
He reportedly served until the beginning of 2023, when he transferred into the military reserve.
The pair had boarded the cruise ship as tourists in California earlier in October.
The vessel had departed to Mexico, and after making a U-turn had reached the American coast when the two men were found dead on the floor by the ship crew.
The cause of death has not yet been released, according to local media.
Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) said they made contact with the General Consulate of Brazil in Los Angeles, and that they are investigating the case.
The news about the couple’s death devastated their Instagram followers, many of whom expressed their condolences in the comments section of Tulio’s photos.
Instagram user ‘daniel_penido’ said: “My good friend, I miss you for real… Rest in peace and may God shine your light.
“I was waiting for you to return to Brazil, my friend! Now the longing is over! Rest in peace.”
User ‘lucianaemporioteo’ commented: “I still can’t believe it Tulim.”
And ‘avichaihornstein’ added: “Rest in peace Tulio. Our memories and moments together will always be in my heart. I’m so thankful for knowing your beautiful soul.”
A friend of Tulio’s, named only as ‘Mike’, organised a fundraiser to bring his body back to his native Brazil, and to cover the funeral costs.
He said: “Tulio was an amazing, caring, lovely person.
“He was a light to all friends and family who came across him and saw his big smile and heart you would fall in love with him quickly.”
A total of USD 25,793 (GBP 21,140) has been raised from the USD 30,000 (GBP 24,588) goal as of Friday afternoon, 10th November.
