A 28-year-old student from Mexico City has died after being mauled by a 12-foot crocodile on a popular tourist beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Irving Mauricio was attacked while taking photographs at the water's edge on Marina Vallarta Beach on Friday evening.
Attack Details
Witnesses reported hearing screams around 6:30 p.m. local time as the crocodile seized Irving's leg. An American couple, Jamie Yetter and Chris Bury, described the scene as "gruesome and graphic." Ms Yetter said the crocodile's head was "as long as my torso, his tail thicker than my legs," and that the victim was "taken under by the crocodile over and over." Mr Bury added, "I saw that [the victim] was kind of struggling. There was … no one around that could help save him."
Body Recovered After 12-Hour Search
Emergency services launched a major search operation, recovering Irving's body at 7 a.m. on Saturday, more than 12 hours after the attack. His family learned of his death after authorities located him.
Mother's Heartbreaking Tribute
Irving's mother paid tribute on Facebook, writing: "My beautiful boy, Irving Mauricio, my life and my love: You have left my heart shattered, my beautiful child. Give me the strength to go on." She added: "You have shattered my soul. My heart is in pieces, but I know I must be strong. I must go on for the sake of your brother, Alexis, and Ross. I will never stop loving you."
Tourist Safety Concerns
The attack has raised concerns about crocodile safety at tourist resorts in Mexico. Authorities have not yet commented on whether any measures will be taken to prevent future incidents.
