Chef Kawana Kingi dies onboard in Bimini

May 8, 2018 by Dorie Cox

Chef Kawana Kingi
April 10, 1962 – April 24, 2018

Chef Kawana Kingi of M/Y Constance was found dead on board the yacht on April 24 in Bimini in the Bahamas, according to a Royal Bahamian Defense Force spokesperson. Police described the yacht as 200 feet in length. He was 56.

His death is being investigated and police officers from Grand Bahama are assisting police in Bimini during the investigation.

Mr. Kingi served as head chef on yachts including M/Y Katya, M/Y Lumiere, M/Y Scott Free, M/Y Icon, M/Y Lyana and M/Y Xanadu. He often filled in as temporary chef on yachts including M/Y Lady M, M/Y Evviva, M/Y RH3, M/Y Carpe Diem, M/Y Fortunate Sun, M/Y Lady M II and M/Y Lady Christine and as freelance chef on M/Y Bluewater Cat, M/Y Solemar and M/Y Big Fish.

Aaron and Limor Michaels of the chef supply company Culinary Convenience in Fort Lauderdale knew him as a client and last worked with Mr. Kingi on M/Y Daybreak.

“As a chef, he knew what he was doing, he knew quality,” Aaron Michaels said by phone. “He bought a special spiral mixer to do breads. I had just wished him a happy birthday on April 10 on Facebook.”

Chef Kawana Kingi and his wife, Kendra Grey Kingi

Mr. Kingi’s wife, Kendra Grey Kingi, founder and co-owner at KGCH Yacht Recruitment in Fort Lauderdale, was in his home country of New Zealand during funeral arrangements this week. The couple were married on Feb. 13, 2011.

She posted on Facebook on April 25: “I lost yesterday the love of my life and my heart is so shattered… I love you so much Kawana and am so going to miss you. Always and forever you will be mine.”

The Triton will be writing about the life of Mr. Kingi and welcomes more stories and photos from family, friends and colleagues. Please contact [email protected].

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About Dorie Cox

Dorie Cox is a writer with Triton News.

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