Carbon County friends and acquaintances of 39-year-old Kristy Hunt Manzanares were shocked over the news of her untimely death aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Alaska.
Authorities say she died from head wounds following a domestic dispute aboard the ship Tuesday. Her husband Kenneth Manzanares, also 39, has been charged with murder and is being held without bail.
Kristy was raised in Sunnyside and attended East Carbon High School, where she was Miss Viking in her senior year. She then moved on to attend college at Southern University University in Cedar City, and eventually settled in Santa Clara, where she was a real estate agent.
Kenneth and Kristy were high school sweethearts and on the cruise in celebration of a wedding anniversary. Their three daughters were also on the cruise, along with other family members. The 4,500-passenger Emerald Princess left Seattle Sunday on a seven-day cruise.
The F.B.I., Coast Guard, and local authorities are investigating the incident, with a court hearing scheduled for Aug. 10.
A GoFundMe account to benefit the family has been set up and donations are also being taken at Zions Bank.
Further details, pictures and documents can be found online at Heavy.com.
FAMILY STATEMENT
“We are devastated over the loss of Kristy. She is the light of our lives – a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. Kristy led by example with her giving heart and we are inspired by the legacy of kindness and optimism she has instilled in her children.
“We appreciate all of the support shown toward us from friends and family in Carbon and Washington counties as well as Princess Cruise Lines and Alaska Airlines. We ask for privacy as we mourn together and continue our focus on Kristy’s children.”
—The Hunt and Manzanares Families