Canadian tourist found dead after going swimming at beach in Mexico
A Canadian man who reportedly disappeared after going swimming was found washed up dead at a beach in Mexico.
According to local publication El Tiempo, authorities confirmed that they found 31-year-old Canadian Braydon Bretzer washed up dead on Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido on Tuesday, May 27.
He was reported missing on Sunday, May 25, last seen swimming on the beach with American citizen Chris Ankele, according to Mexican publication Ahora Oaxaca Noticias.
Global Affairs Canada told Daily Hive in an email that it is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Mexico, but did not confirm their identity.
“Global Affairs Canada… extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” stated spokesperson Louis-Carl Brissette Lesage.
“Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance. Due to privacy considerations, no further information may be disclosed.”
The lifeguard declared the two were missing on Sunday at 8 p.m. local time. Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after, but despite initial efforts, they weren’t able to find Bretzer or Ankele.
On Monday, May 26, Puerto Escondido lifeguards shared a post on Instagram saying two people were missing at sea. They also warned visitors not to walk on the shore of Zicatela Beach, sharing videos of massive waves crashing onto the shore.
View this post on Instagram
Several reviews on Tripadvisor note that beach-goers can’t swim in the sea because “the waves are too dangerous.”
“This beach is very good for surfers, but for ordinary tourists, it is unattractive due to the width of the beach, without trees and therefore somewhat deserted. I assume that it is a dangerous beach because it is always under a red flag for swimming,” reads another Tripadvisor review.
On May 27, the Municipal Government of San Pedro Mixtepec shared a Facebook post detailing its search for missing tourists in the Punta Zicatela area.
“We make an urgent appeal to tourist service providers to stay informed about the weather conditions and, to the general citizens, to avoid entering the sea and follow the instructions of the municipal lifeguard at all times,” reads the post, which was translated from Spanish to English.
While Bretzer has been found, El Tiempo reported that the search for Ankele continues.
GoFundMe for Canadian found dead in Mexico
GoFundMe
A fundraiser has been set up by Graeme Bouvier on behalf of Bretzer’s family.
“As you guys know, on the night of May 25, we lost a very special friend, brother, son, and teammate,” reads the GoFundMe. “Braydon’s sudden passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
Bouvier describes the 31-year-old as someone who “lived life to the fullest” and had “a contagious energy, and a heart that made space for everyone.”
He says the money raised from the fundraiser will go towards travel, memorial expenses, and any financial help that can give the family “room to grieve.”
According to Bouvier, the Bretzer family has informed him that the excess funds will be donated to charities that Braydon loved.
As of Friday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised more than $22,000.