Everything we know about how three surfers die

Three young surfers experienced a violent end to the trip of their lives in Mexico.

Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American boyfriend Jack Carter Rhoad were last seen alive on April 27 while celebrating their birthday.

According to reports in the Mexican press, the trio then disappeared during a surfing trip near Ensenada, a coastal city known for its waves but also for its drug cartel-related violence. Their disappearance sparked an extensive search by Mexican authorities and the FBI and ended with the horrifying discovery of their decomposed bodies on May 5 in a remote well some 50 feet deep.

The site where the bodies were found showed signs of a struggle, including blood stains and bullet casings. María Elena Andrade, attorney general for the state of Baja California, said the tragedy occurred after thieves tried to steal their vehicle, leading to a deadly confrontation as the surfers fought back. And when they resisted, they were shot.

“We believe that these individuals, realizing the seriousness of their actions, attempted to dispose of the victims’ bodies by throwing them into a well over 15 meters deep, with the intention that they would not be found by any authority or family member would,” Andrade said.

Prosecutor Andrade Ramírez told the Mexican newspaper El Financiero that three people – two men and a woman of Mexican origin – have been arrested in connection with the disappearance. Evidence collected includes drag marks, tent remains, clothing and bloodstains. A cell phone belonging to one of the victims was found on a suspect.

Vibrant life full of adventure

Each of the victims led a vibrant life full of adventure and passion for travel.

Callum Robinson, 33, lived across the border in San Diego and was a graduate of Stevenson University of Maryland and a member of the Australian national lacrosse team. His Instagram feed reflected his diverse interests – from his sports activities to leisure moments with friends – and encapsulated his vibrant and wide-ranging approach to life.

Brett Adams, director of athletics at Stevenson University, described him as an outstanding friend and an exceptional life enthusiast. His friend Emily Horwath expressed her sadness on Instagram, writing: “My heart is shattered into a million pieces.”

Jake Robinson, the younger brother, was known for his love of traveling and documented his travels on Instagram. He had just attended the Coachella music festival with his brother before traveling to Mexico and was due to return to his role as a doctor at a hospital in Geelong, Victoria, a port city near Melbourne.

Known for his love of discovery, Jake has documented his travels extensively on Instagram, sharing insights from a two-month visit to Indonesia last year.

Jack Carter Rhoad, also based in San Diego, worked in technical services and had previously provided humanitarian assistance in countries such as South Africa and Guatemala. Before moving into the tech world, he founded a clothing company, Loma Apparel, and played professional soccer with Deportivo Mixto in Guatemala’s first division between 2014 and 2015.

Carter Rhoad was set to marry his fiancée, Natalie Wiertz, in August. According to a Zola online wedding registry, the couple had already booked a venue in Columbia, Ohio for their wedding.

“Their deaths are not just a loss for their families.”

In response to the killings, the local community and other surfers have expressed both their sadness and outrage. Demonstrations took place in Ensenada with surfers and mourners demanding safer conditions. During a paddle-out ceremony – a traditional tribute to surfers – participants formed a circle on their boards to honor the lives lost.

“Their deaths are a loss not only to their families, but to all of us who knew them as dynamic young men with so much life ahead of them,” said one participant, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the Share surfing community.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also commented on the loss and lamented the “tragic” death of the surfers.

Although this region is popular with tourists and surfing enthusiasts, cartel violence has also occurred frequently in this region, raising safety concerns among locals and visitors. The spiral of criminal violence surrounding Mexico has resulted in more than 450,000 deaths and over 100,000 disappearances since the end of 2006.