A 28-year-old tourist from Mexico City, Irving Mauricio, died after being dragged into the sea and attacked by a 12-foot (3.7-metre) crocodile while taking photos near his hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The incident occurred on June 29, 2026, near the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa.
Attack Details
Mauricio was at the water's edge when the crocodile suddenly struck, dragging him into deeper water. A female companion who was with him raised the alarm, but he was pulled under the waves. Emergency services including Civil Protection, Jalisco state firefighters, and the Mexican Navy launched a search operation that lasted through the night, hampered by treacherous currents.
Body Found and Cause of Death
Mauricio's body was found floating the following day several hundred metres from where he was taken, near the beach by the Boca Negra estuary. Forensic experts confirmed that the primary cause of death was drowning, but he also suffered deep bite wounds to his upper and lower limbs.
Family Devastated
Mauricio's family, some of whom were holidaying with him, have been left devastated. His mother posted on Facebook: "My beautiful boy, Irving Mauricio, my life and my love. You have shattered my heart. Forgive me for not taking care of you as I would have wanted. Rest in peace, my love."
Crocodile Captured
Following the fatal attack, authorities captured a 12-foot (3.7-metre) crocodile in the same coastal area. The reptile is undergoing forensic analysis to confirm it was the one involved in the attack. If confirmed, it will likely be relocated rather than euthanised.
Warning to Tourists
Puerto Vallarta is known for crocodile habitats, particularly in the northern hotel zone near mangrove estuaries and waterways. Local officials have issued urgent warnings to residents and tourists to heed warning signs, avoid estuary areas, and stay out of the water at dawn and dusk. An investigation into Mauricio's death is ongoing.
