Three young surfers met a violent end on what was meant to be the trip of their lives in Mexico.
Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, were last seen alive on April 27 while celebrating a birthday.
The trio then vanished during a surfing excursion near Ensenada, a coastal city known for its waves but also for its violence related to drug cartels, according to reports from the Mexican press. Their disappearance triggered an extensive search by Mexican authorities and the FBI, ending with the grim discovery of their decomposed bodies on May 5 in a remote well about 50-feet deep.
The site where the bodies were found showed signs of a struggle, including blood stains and shell casings. María Elena Andrade, Baja California state attorney general, said the tragedy unfolded after thieves attempted to steal their vehicle, leading to a fatal confrontation when the surfers fought back. And when they resisted, they were shot.
"We believe that these individuals, upon realizing the gravity of their actions, tried to dispose of the victims' bodies by throwing them into a well over 15 meters deep, intending for them not to be found by any authority or family member," Andrade said.
Prosecutor Andrade Ramírez told the Mexican newspaper El Financiero that three individuals—two men and a woman of Mexican origin—have been arrested in connection with the disappearances. Evidence collected includes drag marks, tent remnants, clothing, and bloodstains. A cell phone belonging to one of the victims was found with a suspect.
Vibrant lives filled with adventure
Each of the victims led a vibrant life filled with adventure and a passion for travel.
Callum Robinson, 33, lived across the border in San Diego and was a Stevenson University of Maryland graduate and a member of the Australian National Lacrosse Team. His Instagram feed reflected his diverse interests—from his athletic pursuits to moments of leisure with friends, encapsulating his vibrant and expansive approach to life.
Brett Adams, the director of athletics at Stevenson University, described him as a stellar friend and an extraordinary life enthusiast. His girlfriend, Emily Horwath, expressed her grief on Instagram, writing, "My heart is shattered into a million pieces."
Jake Robinson, the younger brother, was known for his love of travel, documenting his journeys on Instagram. He had just attended the Coachella music festival with his brother before heading to Mexico and was set to return to his role as a doctor at a hospital in Geelong, Victoria, a port city near Melbourne.
Known for his love for exploration, Jake had chronicled his travels extensively on Instagram, sharing glimpses of a two-month visit to Indonesia the previous year.
Jack Carter Rhoad, also based in San Diego, was a tech services worker and had previously engaged in humanitarian efforts in countries such as South Africa and Guatemala. Before moving into the tech world, he founded a clothing company, Loma Apparel, and had played professional soccer with Deportivo Mixto in Guatemala's national first division between 2014 and 2015.
Carter Rhoad was set to marry his fiancée, Natalie Wiertz, in August. The couple had already booked a venue in Columbia, Ohio for their wedding according to a Zola online wedding registry.
'Their deaths are not just a loss to their families'
In response to the murders, the local community and fellow surfers have expressed both grief and outrage. Demonstrations took place in Ensenada, with surfers and mourners demanding safer conditions. During a paddle-out ceremony—a traditional surfer's tribute—participants formed a circle on their boards to honor the lost lives.
"Their deaths are not just a loss to their families, but to all of us who knew them as vibrant young men with so much life ahead of them," said one participant, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the surfing community.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also spoke out about the loss and lamented the "tragic" death of the surfers.
This region, while popular with tourists and surf enthusiasts, has seen its share of cartel-related violence, raising fears about safety among locals and visitors. The spiral of criminal violence that envelops Mexico has resulted in more than 450,000 deaths and over 100,000 disappearances since the end of 2006.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jesus is a Newsweek Live News Reporter based in New York. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, his focus is reporting on ... Read more
