Fabio Dimarco, a veteran cruise industry executive who oversaw the construction of Disney Cruise Line ships and led the newbuild project team at Aman at Sea, has died unexpectedly at age 61.

Dimarco had a career at Disney Cruise Line where he oversaw the build of the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy and helped lock down the contractual design for the Disney Wish, the Disney Treasure and the Disney Destiny.

He founded Baires Maritime, a marine project engineering firm, and since 2021 had led the newbuild project team at Aman at Sea. The company’s first ship, the Amangati, is scheduled to arrive in 2027.

“I am simply heartbroken. In the days to come, we and others will celebrate his storied career and numerous successes, however, today, I am thinking about my friend, a father, a family patriarch, a genuinely sweet human being,” said Jonathan Wilson, chief executive officer of Aman at Sea, in a social media post.

“Those of us that knew Fabio from his time at Carnival shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. I first met Fabio when he was working for Disney Cruise Line where he became a dear friend and wonderful mentor to my daughter Danielle,” added Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“He was thoughtful, caring and always willing to share his knowledge with others. He has left a lasting legacy to all who had the privilege of getting to know him.”

Karl Holz, former president of Disney Cruise Line, said Dimarco was 61 years old, full of life and fit. He called the death totally unexpected.