The world appears to be a more distressing environment. Grieving parents of slain surfers in Mexico recall their cherished offspring, who thrived on thrills.
The trio - Jake and Callum Robinson, along with Jack Carter Rhoad - were out for a surfing and camping adventure near Ensenada, roughly 60 miles from Tijuana, before they suddenly disappeared on April 29th.
In the past week, law enforcement in Mexico discovered three dead bodies in a well with bullet wounds to their heads. On Sunday, the authorities confirmed the horrifying news that these were indeed the three long-missing friends, using family members to aid in identification.
"Our family's hearts are shattered, and the world feels a little darker now," stated Debra Robinson residing in San Diego, alongside her spouse, Martin. "These were young men enjoying their shared passion: surfing," she said.
To express their gratitude, Debra acknowledged the friends, relatives, and supporters who had extended their sympathy during this difficult time. "We're aware they impacted many lives and were deeply cherished by many," she continued.
Debra and Martin, a couple originally from Perth, then played tribute to the late brothers: Callum, aged 33, a San Diego local who represented Australia's national lacrosse team, and Jake, a 30-year-old doctor who relocated to join his brother on their joint expedition. As previously shared with CNN affiliate Seven News, Callum was a personable, larger-than-life character, nicknamed Big Koala, who was devoted to his love of lacrosse, while Jake, a kind-hearted and compassionate individual, sought a career in medicine.
"Often in search for better waves, Jake also kept occupied with running, swimming, cricket, and a passion for live music," she noted.
A call to action from the couple, "Now, it's time to bring them home to us and the familiar waves of Australia," Debra solemnly said, her voice heavy with emotion. "Continue to live boldly, radiate brightly, and exude love in their memory."
In offering support, Martin likewise expressed appreciation to Australian government agencies assisting in the search for his sons. This includes the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Embassy in Mexico. In a separate acknowledgment, he thanked the country's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, who had phoned to express sympathy the previous day.
Mexican law enforcement have announced they will dedicate resources to uncovering the perpetrators of the murders, currently believed to be in relation to a botched robbery. Despite problems with drug cartels in the area for years, there have been few such incidents involving tourists.
Approximately 50 individuals participated in a protest in Ensenada, demanding government efforts to curb violence plaguing both locals and foreign visitors. Many displayed surfboards with supportive, memorable messages.
The crime rate in Mexico is among the highest globally, with around 100,000+ people still unaccounted for. Studies reveal that only approximately 7% of murders in the nation ever lead to solutions.
Three people earlier tied to the vanishing of the murdered surfers were apprehended on suspicion of kidnapping, according to the attorney general's office. One suspect's name is Jesús Gerardo "N," known as "El Kekas." [end]
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Source: edition.cnn.com
