Credit: Christian Lambert via UnsplashBack in March of this year, a United States military veteran tragically passed away inside the Walt Disney World Resort after a devastating incident.
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U.S. Navy Veteran Sadly Passes Away at Disney World
Chad Bechhold, 41, who recently retired from the military and was expecting a new baby, was on vacation with his family at Walt Disney World when he began experiencing severe chest pains on St. Patrick’s Day. The pain worsened as he approached the Magic Kingdom. The Gulfport, Mississippi, resident needed a moment to sit down before reaching the monorail.
Despite his discomfort, Bechhold was focused on ensuring his family had a good day at the theme park. His pregnant wife did not initially suspect he was seriously ill, as he had appeared healthy earlier in their trip. Bechhold collapsed at the Transportation and Ticket Center and was later pronounced dead at Celebration Hospital.
“My husband was an incredible man. He loved God, his kids, and his wife so much. We have another daughter due at the end of June, and I’m just still so sad and in shock that he won’t be here,” his wife, Cynthia Bechhold, wrote in an email. She said she has not received answers about her husband’s death. The cause and manner of death are currently pending, confirmed by the Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday.
Bechhold’s family had a history of heart attacks in their 40s, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s incident report. He was a man dedicated to service, his wife said. Six weeks before his death, Bechhold retired from a 21-year career with the U.S. Navy.
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“He worked as a Logistic Specialist stationed in Italy, Mayport, Florida; Gulfport, Mississippi; Norfolk, Virginia; and again in Gulfport, with deployments to Spain, Japan, and Afghanistan, and on two aircraft carriers — the USS Kennedy CVN 79 and the USS Truman CVN 75,” his wife said in an email.
“He advanced to a Navy Chief in 2016 and often mentored sailors struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. He lost his biological father to suicide, and helping people who struggled with depression was very important to him.”
March 17 marked the family’s second day of vacation. The day before, they celebrated his wife’s birthday at EPCOT, and their toddler had breakfast with Disney princesses at a character dining event. That evening, the family walked around the World Showcase. “It was a really beautiful day,” his wife said.
Chad Bechhold was born on June 28, 1982, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High School. He served in the United States Navy for 21 years, concluding his career as a highly decorated chief. Bechhold was a loving father, devoted husband, and cherished son. He was a great friend and mentor to many and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Chad Bechhold is preceded in death by his father, Frank Olmstead; his mother-in-law, Susan Moran; and his step-brother, Bradley Hart. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Cynthia Joy Bechhold; his son, Brayden Michael Duane; his daughter, Hailey Victoria Ellen; his unborn daughter, Gabriella, due in June; and his parents, Victoria and Larry Hart. He is also survived by his step-sister, Stacie; brother-in-law, David; and sisters-in-law, Anna and Jessica.
Instead of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made through the Bechhold baby registry to support their upcoming addition. Any money put towards this registry will go directly to the family as they mourn the loss of a great father, husband, and servant of freedom. If you or anyone you know can donate, please click here to see the entire registry and make a donation today.