Australian parents pay emotional tribute to surfers killed in Mexico
The parents of two Australian brothers who tragically lost their lives in Mexico during what is believed to be a carjacking expressed profound sorrow, stating that “Our world has dimmed in the wake of this tragedy.”
Debra and Martin Robinson, in a heartfelt message, remembered their sons Callum, 33, and Jake, 30, as vibrant individuals who cherished their love for surfing.
They also grieved for the loss of their sons’ companion, American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30. A Mexican individual is anticipated to face charges for the deaths of the three victims, already accused of “forced disappearance” in connection to the incident.
Additionally, a man and a woman have been apprehended for suspected involvement, though formal charges have not yet been brought against them.
The trio vanished on April 27 while on a surfing and camping expedition near Ensenada, triggering an extensive search that spanned several days.
Tragically, the search concluded with the discovery of their bodies discarded in a well along a cliffside on Friday. Local authorities disclosed that each man had succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head.
Authorities in Baja California state have indicated that the three travelers likely met their demise while attempting to thwart the theft of their pickup truck’s tires. Furthermore, a fourth body found in the well, unrelated to the incident, had been there for a longer duration.
After traveling from Perth to identify her sons’ bodies in Mexico, Mrs. Robinson said: “Now it’s time to bring them home to family and friends and the ocean waves in Australia.”
Fighting back tears, she spoke about her family’s pride in the lives Callum and Jake had built.
Callum had been living in the US, chasing his dream of becoming a professional lacrosse player, but always found time to coach junior teams, she said.
“[He] was a lovable, larger-than-life character… known as the big koala.”
And Jake – a doctor – was “a happy, gentle and compassionate soul”.
“Jake’s passion was surfing and it was no coincidence that many of the hospitals that he worked in were close to surfing beaches,” she added.
The couple also thanked everyone who had supported the family since their sons went missing, including friends and consular officials.
“We know that they were truly loved and impacted many people’s lives,” Mrs Robinson said.
“Please live bigger, shine brighter, and love harder in their memory.”
