Wife of missing Florida doctor filed for divorce same day he disappeared at sea

The wife of an acclaimed Florida doctor and cancer researcher filed for a divorce the same day he vanished during an outing on his boat in the Gulf of Mexico, according to county records.

Chaundre Cross was last seen aboard his Sea Ray boat, the “Vitamin Sea” as it floated away from Naples Bay Resort & Marina on Aug. 10, according to a tweet from the U.S. Coast Guard. A search team later located the 33-foot vessel about 16 miles south of Sanibel Island, off the coast of Fort Myers — but they found no signs of the doctor.

Since Cross’ disappearance, search crews have covered an area of approximately 13,100 square miles. Efforts also included a Jayhawk helicopter, Hercules fixed wing aircraft and two patrol boats as well as a “fleet of private boats” before the search was finally suspended on Sunday.

Chaundre Cross

“It is always a difficult decision to suspend a search and rescue case,” Capt. Michael Kahle, commander of Sector St. Petersburg, said Sunday in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of Dr. Cross during this difficult time.”

On Aug. 10, the same day the doctor was last seen alive, his wife, SarahJo Cross, filed for divorce in Collier County, according to documents cited by Fox News.

Cross, who serves as president of the Board of the Cancer Alliance of Naples, is described as 5-foot-11, weighing 150 pounds, with a bald head and brown eyes. He also previously served as a member of the Board for Collier County P.L.A.N. and the American Cancer Society of Naples.

Authorities have requested anyone with information about his disappearance to contact CCSO at 239-252-9300.