On November 16, 2014, Gregory David Fischer, the 40-year old boyfriend of Ann Patton Bender, was found dead in his bed in Escazu, Costa Rica.

According to his brother, Brian Fischer, “He was found lying peacefully in his bed with his puppy at his side.” Authorities have ruled out foul play in his untimely death. A heart or asthma attack is the suspected cause of death, according to authorities.

Mr. Fischer was a personal trainer and entrepreneur, but had found his true calling in Costa Rica as an advocate for Bender, who was convicted of killing her husband, American financier John Felix Bender, a charge that she denies.

In an October interview with Inside Costa Rica (Now owned by The Costa Rica Star), Fischer described Bender as “the love of his life,” and Mr. Fischer fought on her behalf until the day of his unfortunate death.

The last time Fischer and Bender were together was during a visit at the Buen Pastor Women’s Prison, where Bender is serving a 22-year sentence and awaiting another appeal hearing on her murder conviction. Fischer was her gatekeeper and responsible for bringing her food, medicine, and messages from the outside.

A memorial service will be held for Fischer on Saturday, December 6, in West Islip, NY. Anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so online.