In a tragedy that shook the surf world and beyond, last April, Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, along with American Jack Carter Rhoad, were murdered in a carjacking gone wrong while on a surf trip in Baja, Mexico. The loss was devastating, and every new detail that emerged from what was supposed to be a “trip of a lifetime” painted a darker, more sinister picture.
But now, the trio of travelers gone too soon are being honored with a statue, which will be unveiled at the site where they were killed on Wednesday, according to CBS news. And marking a year since the tragedy, the parents of Jake and Callum are remembering the positive impact their sons had on those around them. See the touching tribute from the parents below on the one-year anniversary.
Speaking about the overflow of support and messages they’ve received since the tragedy, the boys’ mother, Debra Robinson, said: “I think that’s the only thing that’s really kept us going. It seems to grow. We’re very grateful for that; we’re grateful that so many people have contacted us, and helped us. I didn’t realize, but Callum and Jake surrounded themselves with really good people. There’s a lot of good people out there, and we’re starting to meet them, and they’re beginning to meet each other. There’s so many crazy connections. It’s helped us immensely; it’s kept us afloat.”
Callum (33), Jake (30), and Jack (30) were traveling, camping, and surfing in Baja when reportedly, upon an attempted carjacking, they fought back. As a result, they were each shot in the head, and their bodies were dumped in a well, nearby to where they were killed in Ensenada.
Four suspects have been arrested in the investigation. An indictment hearing is expected soon, with charges including aggravated homicide.
Following the tragedy, northern Baja surfers banded together to stand with the deceased, and to call for improved safety measures along their coastline. Local surfer and protestor Beatriz Ibarra said:
“This horror story happened to some good people, who in their short stay on the beaches of Ensenada left among those of us who had the opportunity to talk with them a great pleasure of meeting people from another world, admired by our country, wanting to listen to traditional music, eat tacos and surf. Today it was them, yesterday it was others, tomorrow we don’t want it to be us. We will continue fighting for a Baja California with decent and safe access and space to all beaches.”
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