Heartbroken parents of tourists killed on surfing trip in Mexico speak out
Topics: Australia, Parenting, World News, Mexico, Travel, Social Media, Crime
Poppy Bilderbeck
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/ BBC
Topics: Australia, Parenting, World News, Mexico, Travel, Social Media, Crime
The parents of two Australian brothers who went on a surfing trip in Mexico have spoken out following news of their passing.
Australian brothers, Jake and Callum Robinson, and US tourist Jack Carter Rhoad went missing while on a surfing trip in Mexico, and were last heard from on April 27.
In their search for the tourists, police discovered bodies, three of which were confirmed as being that of Jake, Callum and Jack, and the Australian brothers' parents have since paid tribute to their sons.
Advert
The Robinson brothers and Rhoad had been camping near the northern city of Ensenada, sharing photographs from their surfing trip on social media, however, after they didn't show up at pre-planned accommodation, Callum and Jake's mom Debra took to social media in concern.
A search was launched by authorities and bodies later found in a well, with police revealing that they each had a gunshot wound to the head.
Three people have been arrest in connection with an alleged attack, with one man already having been charged with 'forced disapperance' and is expected to be charged with the three murders, the BBC reports.
Since news broke of the three men's passing and having traveled to Mexico to identify their son's bodies, the Australian brothers' parents have paid tribute to them.
In a press conference in Ocean Beach, Martin and Debra Robinson reflected on the passing of their sons.
Martin began by issuing some 'important thank yous' to friends and family in both Australia and the US, alongside 'numerous' Australian government agencies and the Mexican ambassador in the embassy as well as Foreign Minister Wong.
Reading a statement from the couple, Debra continued: "It is with heavy news that Cal and Jake have been murdered. Out hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us."
She then went on to acknowledge the death of Rhoad too, noting he was a 'close friend' of the brothers, and the trio 'young men, enjoying their passion of surfing together' before going on to reflect on Callum and Jakes' lives.
Debra said: "Callum was a loveable, larger than life character and considered the United States his second home, known as the 'Big Koala' he played professional lacrosse in the PLL and represented Australia in the world championships and always found time to coach junior teams.
"His brother Jake was a happy, gentle and compassionate soul who was pursuing a career in medicine. Jake's passion was surfing and it was no coincidence that many of his hospitals that he worked in were close to surfing beaches.
"Sadly, he was also a cricket tragic and last year travelled to England to watch the Aussies play. He loved to run or swim for miles after a heavy day at work. He loved music, including live bands and festivals."
The mom resolved: "Now it's time to bring them home to family and friends and the ocean waves in Australia. Please, live bigger, shine brighter and love harder in their memory. Thank you."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.