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“True Gem”: Well-Known Beloved Disney Cast Member Tragically Passes Away

disneyland cast member died
Credit: Disney

Bernardo Ochoa, an incredibly popular and beloved Disneyland Resort cast member, has passed away.

It’s a day of sad news with Disney Fanatic. While more often than not, we share the magical happenings at the Disney Parks—be that from the Central Florida Disney Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, or Southern California’s Disneyland. Today, however, we bring news that one of the most beloved cast members from the Disneyland Resort is no more.

Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort / Credit: Disney

Bernardo Ochoa from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Room Passes Away

According to a post from the dining establishment, which is inspired by the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort attraction Jungle Cruise, beloved skipper Bernardo Ochoa has passed away. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Room took to Instagram to share the news.

The account wrote, “We just don’t have the words…. We lost our dear @bernardo8a8a – a valuable member of the Trader Sam’s family from day one. His personality was unmatched. He always wanted to make you smile. This is a sketch of Bernardo by @rrr_yaga – feel free to tag us with your favorite Bernardo moments, we’ll do our best to share them.”  

Many did take the opportunity to honor and remember Ochoa.

One commented, “Bernardo made me my 1st Black Pearl when I turned 21 😢 He was always so kind to me and called me mija when he saw me. RIP Bernardo. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”

disneyland resort pixar pier

Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort / Credit: Disney

Another added, “Bernardo was the first skipper who ever served me. This is a terrible tragedy. 😢” 

Fans also took to social media across the board, including X, to share the news. One fan shared, “So devastated to hear about the loss of skipper Bernardo. He was a true gem for many years at Trader Sam’s. Many great nights with him.” 

Mr. Ochoa was known to have a vibrant personality, a friendly smile and was always ready to welcome guests to the Enchanted Tiki Bar, and the outpouring of love for him and his family demonstrates how cherished he was in his role.

For anyone who is interested in helping the family during this time, a GoFundMe has been organized, the proceeds for which will be donated to his family.

About Priyanka Kumar

Priyanka is a writer, artist, avid reader, and travel enthusiast based in Chicago. In her free time, she is probably walking by the lake, catching up on the latest releases on TV, or spending inordinate amounts of time rewatching Moana, Encanto, and her Disney Channel life-long favorites Zack and Cody wreak havoc on the Tipton.

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