On the same day that Jewish and Christian faithful in Costa Rica were celebrating their respective religious holidays of Passover and Good Friday, a tragic accident claimed the life of Matthew Kritzer, an expatriate from the United States who resided in the Southern Pacific coast, specifically in the town of San Josecito in the Osa Peninsula.

As recently posted by Nicole Hines Leon on her Facebook Timeline:

The community of San Josecito will be having a Memorial service for our beloved friend and neighbor, Matthew Kritzer on Saturday, April 11 at 1pm at the church in San Josecito. A precession to the river and/or a reception will immediately follow. All those who would like to attend are encouraged to do so to celebrate the life of a wonderful man!

Mr. Krtizer passed away from wounds sustained in a road traffic accident. At the time, he was helping a friend look for her lost dog in San Josecito. The vehicle plunged down a deep gorge, claiming Mr. Kritzer’s life and mercifully sparing his dear friend, who is recovering from this close call.

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star,

Mr. Kritzer was a Vietnam War veteran who would later counsel his fellow veterans who experienced hardships upon returning to civilian life. He recorded music and wrote memoirs about his wartime experience before permanently relocating to Costa Rica, a country he deeply loved. Mr. Kritzer was an avid birdwatcher and an excellent nature photographer. More importantly, Mr. Kritzer was a greathearted man who impressed and touched the lives of those who knew him.