Search for missing American and Australian surfers in Mexico ends with the discovery of three bodies

The bodies of three people have been discovered in a popular tourist area in Mexico, where an American and two Australians went missing during a camping and surfing trip. American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, and Australian brothers Callum Robinson, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, were last seen on April 27 and did not show up at their intended location. Investigators found the bodies dumped in a pit while searching for the trio, although officials have not confirmed whether they are among the missing men. Forensic tests will be conducted to positively identify the remains.

The bodies were found in a rugged hillside area near the city of Ensenada, about 90 minutes south of the U.S.-Mexico border. Investigators continue to search the area for additional evidence. Three people have been arrested and charged with a crime similar to kidnapping, although it is unclear whether more charges may be filed against them. Details about the victims’ injuries or cause of death have not been released. The Public Prosecution Service is withholding important information from the public and all lines of investigation remain open.

The Baja California Attorney General’s Office has been in contact with the FBI and the victims’ relatives, as well as consular authorities. The mother of the missing Australian brothers posted a call for help on social media, noting that one of her sons has diabetes. The State Department has placed Baja California under a “reconsider travel advisory” due to crime and kidnapping. Although drug cartels are known to be active in the area, authorities are investigating all possible leads in the case and are not ruling out any possibility until the victims are found.

In a similar incident in 2015, two Australian surfers were killed by highway bandits in Sinaloa state. The victims in the current case were last seen near their tents and a burned-out vehicle on a remote stretch of coast. Video footage shows rescuers installing ropes to gain access to the pit where the bodies were found. As forensic tests are conducted at a state laboratory, more details are expected to be revealed. The investigation is ongoing and officials are working to gather more evidence and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of the three people.