Australian parents pay emotional tribute to surfers killed in Mexico

The parents of two Australian brothers killed in Mexico during an alleged carjacking said “the world has become a darker place for us.”

In an emotional statement, Debra and Martin Robinson said their sons Callum, 33, and Jake, 30, had been “young men who enjoyed their passion” for surfing.

They also mourned the loss of their children’s friend, American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30.

A Mexican is expected to be charged with all three murders.

He has already been charged with “forced disappearance” in connection with the alleged attack.

Another man and a woman have been arrested for their alleged involvement. They have not yet been charged.

The three friends had disappeared on April 27 while surfing and camping near Ensenada, sparking a desperate search that lasted several days.

It all ended when their bodies were found dumped in a well next to a cliff on Friday. According to local authorities, each man had been killed by a gunshot to the head.

Baja California state officials have said the three tourists were likely killed while trying to stop the theft of tires from their truck. A fourth body was also found in the well, but it had been there longer and was not related to the case, they added.

After traveling from Perth to identify her children’s bodies in Mexico, Mrs Robinson said: “Now is the time to bring them home, to family and friends, and to the waves of the ocean in Australia.”

Fighting back tears, she spoke about her family’s pride in the lives Callum and Jake had built.

Callum had been living in the United States, pursuing his dream of becoming a professional lacrosse player, but always found time to coach youth teams, he said.

“(He) was a huge, adorable character… known as the big koala.”

And Jake, a doctor, was “a happy, kind, compassionate soul.”

“Jake’s passion was surfing and it was no coincidence that many of the hospitals he worked at were near surfing beaches,” he added.

The couple also thanked everyone who has supported the family since their children went missing, including friends and consular officials.

“We know they were truly loved and impacted many people’s lives,” Mrs. Robinson said.

“Please live bigger, shine brighter and love stronger in his memory.”