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Orange County couple killed on cruise to Mexico

COZUMEL, Mexico — A well-known Orlando couple died after their dune buggy crashed while on a cruise to Mexico with more than 30 of their closest friends.

Jim Melillo and his girlfriend Susan Borges were reportedly killed in an accident while their ship was docked in Cozumel.

The group was on their way to the opposite side of the island when witnesses said the couple's dune buggy hit a metal bar.

Seliena Cramption, a friend of the couple who witnessed the accident, described the crash. "Everyone ran to Jim who had been ejected from the vehicle," said Crampton.

Jim and Susan died in the crash.

Jim's good friend Wagner Ferriera was driving. Ferierra and his wife Liz survived.

Friends said it appears the steering wheel locked up.

"Susan was like a sister to me. They're just amazing people … I love them," said friend Nicole Rego.

Rego introduced the two to each other five years ago.

She said Jim and Susan were well-known for involvement in several charities including the Fireball Run, a national road rally that works to help find missing children. But Rego said most people in their group will remember the couple as friends.

"Jim is the jokester. Jim always had the jokes, teased everybody. Susan sort of stood back and shook her head at him," said Rego.

Friends said the bodies will likely be cremated and brought back to the United States on Wednesday.

A memorial service may be held next week.

Family and friends have setup a website to accept donations to help bring the couple's bodies back to the United States, click here to donate.