Bodies found in northern Mexico are likely three missing surfers, including one American, who disappeared last weekend, The Associated Press reports.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the identities of the bodies. Still, the physical characteristics of the individuals appear to match those of two Australians and a United States citizen who vanished, state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez told local news outlet Milenio.
The bodies were in a well near the town of Santo Tomás, a remote coastal area in the Mexican state of Baja California.
A fourth body was found in the well, but officials said that body had been there for a significant period of time and did not appear related to the three missing surfers.
The well was near a campsite believed to have been used by the missing men, where they had been staying on a surfing trip.
Family members have identified the men as 30-year-old Jack Carter Rhoad, who is from the United States, and Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, 30 and 33, respectively. Police believe the trio went missing on Saturday after not arriving at a scheduled accommodation.
Upon learning that the men were missing, a large-scale search ensued that involved local law enforcement, Mexican marines and the FBI, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Authorities in Baja California said three people had been arrested for what is in effect a crime of kidnapping and were being questioned about the missing men. The three suspects may have stolen a truck used by the surfers.
In a press release, the U.S. State Department said it was keeping tabs on the situation.
“We are aware of those reports (of bodies) and are closely monitoring the situation,” the State Department said, according to the AP. “At this time we have no further comment.”
Rhoad is from Atlanta and was living in San Diego; he founded an internet-based apparel business, according to his Facebook profile. Callum Robinson graduated from Stevenson University in Maryland, where he was on the lacrosse team.
“Our prayers and thoughts are now for Callum’s parents, Martin and Debra Robinson, who lost their two sons; the family of their friend Jack Carter Rhoad; and the many loved ones and friends all of these young men had,” the university said in a statement.
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[Feature Photo: Jake and Callum Robinson and their parents/Instagram; Jack Carter Rhoad (far right)/Facebook]
