Sydney, Australia – The tragic deaths of Australian surfer brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, alongside their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, in a botched robbery in Mexico have left their loved ones and the global surfing community in mourning. The trio was last seen on April 27 in Baja California, Mexico, before being attacked by bandits attempting to steal the tires off their truck. Their bodies were later found dumped in a well in the area.
Mexican authorities have released chilling details of the killings, confirming the identities of the victims on Monday. The Robinson brothers’ family traveled to Mexico to assist in the somber task of officially identifying the remains. In the wake of the tragedy, Callum’s girlfriend Emily Horwath paid tribute to him on social media, expressing her eternal love and heartbreak.
The three men had embarked on a surf trip, moving along Mexico’s west coast, before their sudden disappearance. Concerns were raised when they failed to check into their booked Airbnb in Rosarito, prompting a search that led to the discovery of their abandoned tents stained with blood. The men, who had attended Coachella before their surf trip, were reportedly heading towards Ensenada.
The investigation into the murders is focusing on whether the trio was targeted in an attempted robbery for their truck, a white Chevrolet Colorado pickup, and particularly its tires. Three suspects, including Mexicans Jesus Gerardo Garcia Cota, Ari Gisel Garcia Cota, and Christian Alejandro Garcia, were arrested and charged with forced kidnapping in connection with the case. The suspects were found in possession of illegal drugs at the time of their arrest.
The Robinson brothers and Rhoad were well-known in their respective communities, with Callum standing out as a lacrosse player in the U.S. and Jake working in hospitals across Australia. The tragic end to their surf trip has sent shockwaves through the surfing world, highlighting the dangers some travelers face in certain regions. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge surrounding the circumstances of the killings. Hopefully, justice will be served for the victims and their families as they navigate this devastating loss.