As new details emerge in the case of the three surfers killed while vacationing in Baja California, Mexico, it was found out that one of them was engaged to be married this upcoming August. Australian brothers Jake Robinson and Callum Robinson took a surfing trip with their Californian friend Jack Carter Rhoad in late April 2024.
Their bodies were recently discovered with gunshot wounds in a well after they never showed up at the accommodations they'd booked in Rosarito. An online wedding registry on Zola revealed that Rhoad was set to tie the knot with Natalie Weirtz on August 17, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
The website states that they were supposed to have a welcome party the night before the wedding. A photo of the couple smiling and walking hand-in-hand is also displayed on the site.
“In the wake of the heartbreaking loss of Carter Rhoad, Callum Robinson, and Jake Robinson, our hearts ache with grief for their families, friends, and community,” Aubrey Byers, the organizer for a GoFundMe account posted on May 5, 2024. “Their presence brought immeasurable joy, love, and kindness to those around them, leaving a mark on our lives.”
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Byers described herself as “a good friend of Carter and Natalie” on the page.
“We've created this GoFundMe page for two purposes: the first is to rally support for Natalie during this unimaginably difficult time and provide essentials such as housing, food, transportation, and more,” she wrote. “The second is to honor Carter by raising money for scholarships and donations he felt passionate about. No donation is too small, and every contribution is deeply appreciated.”
As of May 7, the account had raised $59,267 raised of the $250,000 goal. "If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with your community. Together, we can continue to surround this family with the love and support they need to navigate this challenging journey," the post concluded. "Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and solidarity during this time of profound loss."
The travelers were last seen surfing and camping along the Mexican coast on April 27, 2024. On May 3, officials released a statement saying their bodies had been found at the bottom of a well, 50 feet deep, in Santo Tomas, Baja California.
Based on the investigation so far, it appears they were shot and killed by assailants who wanted the tires from their truck. María Elena Andrade Ramírez, Baja California’s chief state prosecutor, said that the men were likely killed when they attempted to fight off the robbers.
A fourth body was also found in the well. However, Ramírez stated at the time, “There is a lot of important information that we can’t make public.”
"It’s not safe, stop lying to people, I’m Mexican and I’m telling you it isn’t, even for us Mexicans it’s not safe," one person commented.
"3 young men full of life have gone too soon," another person said. "I have no word for this level of cruelty. No Mexico for me."
