Sarah Danser, 34 years old and a resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away following an automobile accident on Diamond Head Road in which she was the passenger in a car driven by a friend. Born in Denver to Dan Danser and Ellen Cates, she grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado. She attended Academy Charter School and Douglas County High School before receiving a degree in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado. During college she volunteered as a dental assistant in Guatemala and immediately after graduating taught biology in a private school in Cameroon, Africa.
She moved to Hawaii in 2014 and worked initially as a divemaster. Her passion for the ocean led her to earn her captain’s certification and thereafter lead whale-watching, deep sea fishing and SCUBA diving excursions. On her last major voyage she servied as first mate aboard a commercial vessel in Alaska. During her time as an avid sailor she also appeared repeatedly on the television survival shows Naked and Afraid and Fight to Survive.
She was smart, competent, creative and generous, from rebuilding the engines on her Jeep and sailboat to skillful drawing of birthday cards, portraits and countless beautiful pictures. Her unebbing spirit earned her friends around the world. She was curious and fiercely independent, but most of all she inspired those around her to live their best lives. Through times of doubt and hardship Sarah always found a way both to acheive her own goals and to inspire others.
Although her life was sadly cut short, Sarah lived it to the fullest.
She is survived by her father Dan Danser and brother Jake Danser, both of Colorado. She was preceded in death by her mother Ellen. She was an organ donor and has been cremated. Her ashes will be scattered in private ceremonies in both Hawaii and Colorado .
Captain Sarah cast a large net and caught multitudes of us in it. Collecting us each for our special talents; some of which we didn’t realize we had. Sarah was a fierce competitor, authentic human and true friend. 💕🤿❤️🎶💓🌞✨🌈🤙