My Mexico Story

 

Below are stories received by MVA. To protect the privacy of the individuals that submitted these stories, MVA has removed their last names.

January 15, 2012

Name:  Debbie

I am writing to you today in regards to my friend who was murdered in Cancun last weekend. United States Marine Sgt.Joseph Bitet was killed following “mysterious circumstances” in Mexico last weekend. I have just come home from burying my friend and I keep saying, "Why isn't anyone doing anything to find out what happened to him?" Perhaps you could help me. My friend was the most amazing soldier, son, brother, citizen and friend. There are no words to explain what the loss of Joey has done to his family, his friends, fellow soldiers, all of Hauppauge and everyone that has ever come in contact with him. Isn't it our duty as Americans to protect our soldiers the way they have protected us? He risked his life on the front lines in Iraq twice for our country. I feel that it is our obligation to honor him and find the people responsible for his death. If this had happened here, in America, there would have been an investigation and the story would have been front page news. Please, please honor my friend and get the word out. Mexico is not a safe place for Americans. And the people or person responsible for the treatment and death of Sgt. Joseph Bitet need to be punished for what they did. We all pray that Joey is resting in peace, but none of us will ever rest not knowing what really happened in those few minutes. I hope that you will keep the Bitet family and all of us that knew and loved him in your prayers and please don’t stop investigating and getting the word out until justice is served.
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December 21, 2011

Name:  Sharyn

just returned from Playa Del Carmen with my family.  I was involved at the scene of an accident involving head trauma on Dec 18th 2011. Because of the stories I read on your site I was able to help the family know what to expect. It was just like everyone said no one helped and the first thing they asked for was a credit card. the last I heard he was moved from Playa del Carmen to a trauma unit in Cancun for emergency surgery, the family was hoping to airlift him to Miami to receive proper care. i would like to share my story.

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December 12, 2011

Name:  G H

It has been over two years, yet seems like yesterday when my husband and I were drugged on the resort "Dreams,Cancun" To this day we question motive,?robbery, ? messing with an American. Either way it was traumatic, especially as an RN to be held virtually hostage by the Hospiten Cancun. Their medical system lacks empathy and wants money, tourists beware!!! Don't go there, there are too many beautiful places to go, Mexico is out to profit from tourists, good or bad...

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October 11, 2011

Name:  Patricia

Hello, I would contact someone to help me find evidences of my daughter's death, which occurred on September 9, 2010, at the Hotel Riu Caribe, his name was Giannina Di Roberto, thanks.

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September 20, 2011

Name:  michelle

MY Boyfriend was killed by a date rape drug from this past weekend.  a man followed him to his hotel suite and sent a text message to their buddies to come to the room slipped my boyfriend the drug.  they made him have sex with a 16 yr old girl and then his kidneys failed and he died today.DO NOT GO TO MEXCIAN VACATION RESORTS THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND THE POLICE WILL NOT DO JACK SINCE IT IS MEXICO
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August 22, 2011

Name: Pete

Message:  NEVER CUT CORNERS OR DEVIATE WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY ABROAD

My Name is Pete, a Canadian Citizen, and I have been travelling to Puebla Mexico since 2006. The purpose of my trip was to visit my wife and daughter as I go through the sponsorship process. I did not stay at resort. It has been my 12th visit to date and I never had a problem until my recent visit there. As the old saying has it, never say never. On my last few days there, my wife and I decided to spend some time together without any kids around.  So, we left our daughter at home with one of my wife's sisters. We went out to watch a movie on July 30/2011, the movie finished approximately 11:20pm Mexican time. Since, it was late, I was saying to my wife that we should take a taxi which there was a lot of them parked in front of the movie theatre at that time. She said that she want to walk for a bit and talk about life, our daughter, and immigration. So, I said ok and we did not take those taxis. After talking until 12:00 something in the morning of July 31, we decided to head home. We hailed a cab from the street which is considered a no no in Mexico. I guess we were not thinking straight at that time. We both got into the cab and the driver started to drive us home from what we both believed. So, my wife and I continued talking a bit. When we noticed that the driver was not taking us home, it was already too late. The driver drove us to unfamiliar place and that is where three guys jumped into the taxi. One was in the front and the other two was on either side of my wife and I. They placed what felt and looked like baseball caps and made us bow our heads so that we cannot see them. My wife tried to fight back and one of them punched her in the face and the other told me to do something but I did not understand what they were asking me to do because they were speaking in Spanish and I do not understand the language that well. So, I was punched in the stomach for that. My wife cried out and told them that I am not from here and I do not speak and understand Spanish. One of the low lives, started speaking English to me.  He said that if we do not want to get hurt, we should do everything that they told us to do. Since, we were outnumbered and we did not know if they had a weapon, we felt like we had no choice but, to compiled. The one that was on wife said told her to take off her jacket and put her arms around him so that it does not raise any suspicion to the outside world.  Original, the guy that was on her side was thinking of sexually assaulting her but, the one that was on my side said "we do not have time for this, we just came for the money and the valuables" according to what my wife told me because they were speaking Spanish at that time.  They began to go through all the stuff that we had on us, they took our cell phones, money, credit cards, my digital camera, and more. We were also told that we needed to surrender our pin numbers to our cards in order to be released.  My wife and I prayed all the way though that we were going to get through this for our daughter. Anything that we had on us is replaceable.  This was all happening as the driver drove us to another unknown location.  When we got there, they made us exit the taxi on either side. They brought us together and quickly grabbed their caps off our heads and ran away.. We stood there for a minute to thank god that we lived through this ordeal and then we started to find ways to get home since at that time we had no money.  We ended up getting some change from a local Mexican who was having a party nearby. We tried to call the local police and they told us that since we could not gave them any info that could identify the criminals, and that we were not seriously hurt, there was no need for them to come.  We end up walking to a store called Oxxo, and we called another taxi but, this time we followed protocol.   The protocol in Mexico is never take a taxi on the street, always call from a registered number in the phonebook or in designated areas. As you can see, we did not follow this rule when my wife and I tried to get home after the movie. When calling from registered taxi number, you will always get a unit number from the dispatcher on which taxi is coming to pick you up.  If that number is not correct or does not show up on the taxi that comes for you then, it is advised that you do not take it.  When we finally got home after that incident, one of her brother's was there waiting to pay for the taxi. The next day, we went to file the police report at the local reporting office in Puebla. I was told that since, I do not speak Spanish and that they do not have an official translator there than, they could not take my statement.  So, I was asked to wait outside while my wife gave her statement. I felt that they did not treat me professional because I was a foreigner. What really made me starting thinking about the corruption in Mexico was when my wife finished her statement and she asked the official for a copy of that report. The official originally stated that she could not give her a copy since it is something that has to be requested a few days later. So, my wife and I waited a few days.  She then, went to the office again and was told to come back to speak to a supervisor to try to get the report in another few days more. She did that and was given the answer, we are not allowed to give this report out at this present time. I did some research and I found out that if the incident involved local Mexicans than, the reporting centre would have no problems giving out the report. But, since I was not a local, they felt that if the word gets out that another Canadian had troubles in Mexico, it would hurt the tourism sector. It is sad to say that even though money seem like it rules the world, Mexico would put money over safety in a heart beat. I really believe that this statement is not just a Mexican issue but, a world issue. However, my wife after almost three weeks and a lot of work, she was finally given the police report. Again, the moral of this story is never cut corners or deviate when it comes to safety abroad especially when you are in Mexico.
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August 10, 2011

Name: Katie (alias)

I have been to Oaxaca, Mexico in May 2010 my experience was positive, I traveled alone as a woman in my mid-twenties.  Cozumel, in January 2011 was a family vacation, my experience was positive.  Cozumel is safe and friendly (although it is expensive).  April 2011 I flew to Cancun with my boyfriend in pursuit of Chetumal.  (Chetumal being the border of Belize and Mexico). The Cancun airport was corrupt and very scary.  We thought we would have a free shuttle to the hotel (a advertised by traveladvisor.com) but that was not the case.  All taxis cost a minimum 60 pesos to travel a very short distance (less than 2 miles).  If I had to do it over I would have taken the bus out of the Cancun airport and got off at a random spot to take a taxi the reminder of the way to the hotel.  I can honestly say, I felt on-edge for the 12 hours spent in Cancun and somewhat afraid.  I would not feel comfortable traveling to Cancun alone.  I felt much safer in the non-tourist city of Chetumal which we spent 8 days in. Chetumal people were friendly and did not hustle us for money.    
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July 31, 2011

Name:  cindy

My mother could not be released from hospital because we had to pay $11,000 for 12 hrs of being in hospital.  They did not care that we had a plane ready to airlift her.    

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July 29, 2011

Name:  Tracey

I live in Allentown, PA. I have a story about Mexican hospitals holding American citizens for payment with or without care. My grandmother is currently in Florida after an ordeal with the Mexican federal government, whom, wouldn’t release her after a one night stay after a stroke, unless they received $11 grand. They did not provide her with further care, due to her insurance and there was no doctor on the premises that night. she left our resort after my sister’s wedding in an ambulance due to what they said was a stroke or brain aneurism. They held my father hostage and made the ambulance turn around on the way to the plane, unless they had all the proper credit cards. They had over 10 armed gun men standing in front of the ambulance and would not release her. At this time my mother and uncle were inside as she was puking and convulsing. They could see the plane they purchased for close to $20 grand to get her out of the country but then turned around, even after payment. Finally after getting their $11 grand, they let her leave. This after they told my family the night before it would only be $6 grand and that they were all paid up until she left in the morning. After they knew she was leaving the next day, they stopped treatment and just monitored her. They would only let my mother see her every 4 hours, one at a time, and not after 8 pm. They did not care if she lived or died, and even after payment, of more than they asked, they held her still just to show who was boss. They then held my father at the hospital, who was flying home, with armed feds surrounding him right until his flight was ready to take off. Luckily after they left their commander they let him rush to get to the front of the line to check in to sprint to board. There are still American citizens in this hospital whom do not have the proper insurance and cannot pay, left to die. They come from vacations, work, or wherever and if they cannot pay, they do not leave. My mom said there was a man there whom was expecting to die because of no payment. They stop treatment and contact no one. Thank god, my family could pay or my grandmother would still be there, and would probably not survive. She is now in Tampa, FL at the hospital prepped for surgery for her brain aneurism to relieve the blood pressure. My grandfather is also a United States Marine. This happened this weekend.   I cannot get any news stations to cover this story to warn anyone.
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July 3, 2011

Name:  Jeonne

Please help July 2-6 2011 its Sunday July 3rd 2011 and my 21 yr daughter went to Cancun Mexico with her cousin 23yrs old through Priceline and they haven’t handled there trip or hotel accommodations fairly now on sun. the 3rd of July they r in Cancun no place to stay and worse Priceline won’t help them and took all of their money from their credit card!!
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June 29, 2011

Name:  Greg

I returned from Acapulco early June.  We were twice victims of a police shakedown -- 10 minutes apart. We were driving a rental car on the downtown strip, and an officer on foot signaled a police car to pull us over.  He demanded money from us.  We were just driving in a traffic jam with all other cars going 10 mph!  We insisted to go the police station or for him to give us a ticket but he won't give the license back -- he got his $20 after ten minutes. At some point, we just wanted to get out of there and gave in to corruption. Ten minutes later, another police car pulled us over an attempted the same.  Out of money, we were much more aggressive -- and he let us go. I reached out to the US Consulate, who of course is all too familiar with this story. We are grateful to be physically unharmed unlike so many stories on this site. Based on this common experience and the stories here, my family will never go back to any part of Mexico.  Please continue to get these stories heard.

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June 13, 2011

Name:  Andre

Just came back from the Maya Riviera after a 7 night vacation. Everything was nice and dandy until I got a grain of sand in my eye. Couldn’t see it so I went to see the doctor on the resort. He was rude, told me to give him $60 cash or no prescription for "infection". Basically he told me to ef off. Later that day I was able to take out the grain of sand with the help of my girlfriend. Doctors on resorts don't care about the well being of tourists and just want money. Also a woman got too drunk and started vomiting badly. Someone called the ambulance and I asked one of the EMT's how much it costs just for them to have come: $550 cash. If something as insignificant as a grain of sand in my eyes did not receive the proper treatment from a Mexican doctor, what would happen if I was to have a more serious accident. Mexico is too shady i will never go back.

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May 17, 2011

Name:  Stephanie

I wanted to bring to your attention that Martin David Lewis is another person found dead in Cabo San Jose on April 26th or 27th! I'm Corey Lewis' mother ..he is Marty's Son ! there were a couple articles that were made available to me when I went on the Baja Nomad forum (this is the link to that thread...and asked for anyone who might have heard any news down there to assist me with some links to these articles!

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=52641&page=1 )

http://www.tribunadeloscabos.com

http://noticabos.org/2011/04/30/a-un-extranjero-le-cortan-el-cuello-y-declaran-suicidio/

Not sure you are aware of this controversial death ? the Death Certificate said nothing about the actual cause of death the box for 'undetermined' (loose translation) was marked. It was alleged in these articles that he committed suicide by 'slitting his own throat' ? that is all the info we have to date on this incident ...no Report from the investigation or autopsy has been forthcoming so far! we have made numerous inquiries through to consulate for more info but so far we get the "Manana" treatment!!  thought this might be of interest to you as you seem to be interested in creating some positive action where the victims are concerned. maybe you have some suggestions for my son and i as you have had experience in these other deaths! any suggestions and info would be very much appreciated! thank you in advance for your consideration and concern in these matters!  

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May 6, 2011

Name:  Jake

Message:  It was a success...I have put Bill Taylor in contact after 3 years with Thomas.. thanks for sending my email to him...Jake

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May 1, 2011

Name:  Tomas and Pat

Message:  Just a short note to thank you and express our sincere appreciation for what you do--and all you've done in our case specifically. The "tip" you received turned out to be legitimate and the man who responded (we're still in touch) knew Bill personally and passed along our phone number to him. He's alive but not well as it turns out.  He's coming back to Canada in about a week and we hope he calls us.  We have many friends in common and he's sure to contact one of us, who will then alert the rest of us about where he is staying. The point is--thanks to your Website and the work you do--we were able to verify he's still alive and we were able to establish contact. You've provided an invaluable service, and have put a lot of people's mind at ease. If it would be of any help to you, feel free to use and quote any part of this e-mail on your Website as you see fit. If you'd like a more succinct and direct quote about your service and how you've helped us just let me know and I'd be more than please to compose something for you. Thanks again, for "being there" for us.  It made all the difference.

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April 25, 2011

Name:  jake

Message:  Hi,  I've been reading your site for quite awhile and thank you for what you're doing by giving voice to those whose lives have been lost. Keep going, please. I read the following:  We are trying to find our long-time and good friend WILLIAM (BILL) TAYLOR.  He's a 65-70 years old white male, about 5'9" to 5'10" with brown hair. He is/was a Canadian citizen. Neither his children, us, or any of his good friends have heard from him in over 2 years--and he used to call quite frequently. He's literally dropped off the face of the earth.  Please advise me of any news you may have or suggest a logical, effective way to contact what authorities who might know about him. BILL TAYLOR was last seen working as a Timeshare salesman in the Cancun-Plays del Carmen area.

We're desperate to find him. Thank you in advance.  I SAW BILL 50 DAYS AGO...IF TOMAS WANTS TO EMAIL ME
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April 10, 2011

Name:  Janet

Message:  Hi I found this site and looking for anyone that had a similar incident like myself. I am in the process of putting in a lawsuit against the hotel that we stayed at Feb 6 2011 for negligence. My husband was in the shower and he or myself didn’t know but there was no caulking at the bottom of the shower door. So when I walked in the bathroom it was full of water and I went flying. I was taken to the hospital in Mayan Riviera. I dislocated my ankle and broke 3 bones. I had to have surgery there as the doctor would not let me leave the country as I was at risk for blood clots. I live in Canada. Has anyone experienced and had success in putting in a lawsuit in Mexico. Thanks hope to hear back

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April 8, 2011

Name: Eileen

Message:  On 3/23/2011, my brother was on the Carnival cruise with two other people, during their spring break.  The cruise ship  docked at Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, their first port and a local was advertising Lover's beach. They then went on the taxi boat and arrived at Lover's Beach and walked across the island to the other side, and unknowingly, it was referred as "Divorce Beach". The people from the taxi boat did not warn them that the other side of the beach would be dangerous. My brother was standing in the water with 2 others. They were barely knee deep and were swept by the waves. The waves were very strong. My brother and his 2 friends were swept in the ocean. the 2 friends  were fortunate to have the waves bring them back to shore; however, my brother was pulled farther into the ocean. The Mexican Navy sent two divers in roughly 5-10 minutes later. They searched for since then and as of today, 4/07/11, his body is still not found. The beaches in Cabo are very deceiving and well known for their rogue waves and undertows. Even getting your feet wet can lead to being swept into the ocean. Warning signs are small and not as visible. Be very careful of the beaches here.
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March 30, 2011

Name:  Mary

Message:  My relative and her husband of one day flew to Cancun Mexico to go on their honeymoon.  They and another couple were picked up at the airport by a van. There were either no seat belts or no one wore them. On their way back to the hotel, the van flipped over.  The other couple were instantly killed. My relative (the bride) was stuck in the car but her husband was thrown out of the car and was immediately killed. My husband is an Illinois attorney did an investigation at the request of the family.  He spent the last three years to find out who owned the van and attempted to get the police reports, and cooperation to bring a wrongful death claim against the travel company who booked the travel and the driver etc. After three years of delays and denials of responsibility, he was finally able to get compensation for the widow and for her loss and expenses.  It has been a nightmare to get some kind of closure and justice for the family.
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March 29, 2011

Name:  Lisa

Message:  The Drowning Pool

I am grateful to have found this site. While my husband and I returned safe and sound from our recent Cancun vacation, a man staying at the Gran Melia, did not. This man drowned in front of 100's of guests, on a sunny Sunday afternoon in March. The Gran Melia had no less than four life guards on duty diligently patrolling the beach. Red flags were up, beach closed, yet people were still in the water. The lifeguards response was immediate. They did all they could to save this man's life; except for allowing people to be in the water with red flag conditions. Cancun's beach are not safe. Natural beach erosion has eaten away the beach and carved craters along the water's edge. These craters form unnatural rip tides and deadly currents, from which even the strongest swimmer cannot extricate himself. 
Mexico will continue to kill their tourists unless they fill in the beach. We will never return to Cancun. The waters of Cancun are a Drowning Pool.
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March 28, 2011

Name:  Roseann

Message:  Good morning, I was the one that wrote that e-mail, we were at a beautiful resort In Playa del Carmen, my husband had a heart attack not much help from hotel ..... took him to hospital was told he needed to go to Cancun for surgery After 3300.00 and two payments for ambulance of 350.00 & 550.00.I was told I had to wait for paperwork over 45 minutes made two payments over the phone to Cancun hospital 8000.00 & 6000.00 only to find out they didn't start surgery until I got there and gave them another 8000.00 ........Long story short we Left paying them over 60,000.00 and a Air Ambulance 16,000.00 to get out of the country, he was not able to fly to Boston the doctors recommended Miami or Texas. CASH or CREDIT cards only........They only except Blue Cross BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Threatening me DAILY for more money or they will move him to a clinic. When we (my son flew in) got back to the hospital after checking out The Security Guards took our luggage until we paid & waited again (with the ambulance waiting) over a hour, for the paperwork.... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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March 28, 2011

Name:  Denise

Message:  I am very sorry for your loss, but not surprised at the lack of medical treatment and response time.  I have been going to Cancun since '87 and have been witness to a few situations.  About 6 years ago we had stayed at the RIU in Cancun and witnessed a 14 year old pulled out of the water. There were no waves, we were across from Isla, so we are not sure what happened. My friend who is a nurse performed CPR on him.  It took the ambulance at least 25 minutes to get there. He was seizing the moment he got out of the water and was blue.  My friend and another did CPR the whole time.  The "EMT"'s didn't know what they were doing when they finally did arrive, we were 3 nurses.  We were leaving that day so we never knew what happened to him.  The plane ride home was very quiet for us.  I searched web sites, called the RIU, and called The American Consulate in Mexico, who admitted they knew nothing of this, even two weeks after.  The boy was 14 and we think from Texas.  We  also had heard of 2 situations the last time our family went.  Again a 14 yr old was swept away by the under current and never found.  We didn't let our children in the ocean without their dad, before we heard this because it was very strong, but then never let them after, at all. I am a poor swimmer, so unless it's docile I won't go in on the ocean side.  We also heard of a boy drowning in a pool in April 09. Another time my husband was very ill with a respiratory infection and needed breathing treatments and steroids.  The hotel DR at the Royal Sands would not give more than 3 a day.  He really needed back to back.  Finally they wanted him to go the hospital, I refused because I knew they wouldn't know what to do and never let us leave the country without selling our soul.  I went to the pharmacy and bought him massive steroids, ABX, plus insisted the Dr give him an IM injection of steroids. Now I bring a first aid kit, epipens, nebulizer, IV start kit, just in case.  Luckily  y I am a nurse and educated on the "Mexican"

health care system.  It's a shame because it is a beautiful country that I have 25 year old memories of.  My deepest sympathy to all who have lost a loved one.
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March 26, 2011

Name:  Lisa

Message:  On 3/17/11 a 53 year old man drowned right in front of the JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa.

My daughter and her friend were boogie boarding and were able to save the life of 3 people including a 60 (approx.) man, a woman and her son by bringing them back to shore on their boogie boards.  They indicated that they could not get out of the swells and current.  Had it not been for the 14 year old girls they would not have made it. 

Unfortunately, one other man in their group did not make it.  He was pulled from the water but the DELAY in the arrival of the ambulance, with lifesaving medications, probably prevented this man from living.  It took over 30 minutes for Cancun emergency personal to arrive on the scene.  Thank God for the two US emergency room doctors who were at the resort and helped the lifeguard perform CPR.

For the amount of money that a typical family spends while on vacation in Cancun at these beautiful resorts, the hotels should be  DEMANDING that the Mexican government have customary and adequate emergency response systems in place.  Otherwise, I feel that it is the resort's responsibility to pull together to provide this necessary service to their valued hotel guests. 

Until this incident happened, I only thought that crime was the prevailing issue in Mexico.  After reading about other's medical tragedies experienced in Mexico I realized that this is a HUGE issue that seems to be ignored.  Emergency services must be improved overall, not just for tourists, but the resorts must do something to protect the visitors vacationing in Mexico. Until something is done, we will NEVER visit Mexico again.  My family's life is too precious to me to put us in a situation knowing that the Mexican's have little regard for tourist's lives...only tourism income generated is of value.

PS - the hotel did tell me, when I asked, that the 53 year old did die.  There was nothing reported in the papers to our knowledge.

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March 25, 2011

Name:  Susan

Message:  We have a timeshare at the Royal Solaris. We were there in May of 2006. They were doing construction on the elevators at that time and we were appalled at how they left the shaft only covered with 3 pieces of plywood hinged together at the end of a work day and anyone could walk behind it as they did not even move it close to the wall. I reported to the front desk on the carib side that this was appalling. I now read what happened. I am so sorry. They do not care about such things. It comes from above. The people that we see are scared to death of losing jobs and getting blackballed.

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March 19, 2011

Name:  Hilary

Message:  I'm currently on vacation in Cancun and a man died on the beach on March 17 after drowning right in front of the JW Marriott. They pulled him from the water and he had a pulse for the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the hotel staff seemed to have no plan to handle the situation. They performed CPR on the beach for at least 25 minutes before an ambulance even showed up. And when they came, they got stuck on the road because it was too narrow to navigate. I've looked online for the story but can't find it anywhere. I was pulled from the water the day before by the lifeguards and I'm a very strong swimmer. Amazing that they aren't more on the lookout and/or aren't more prepared to handle water emergencies.

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March 11, 2011

Name:  Dani

Message:  Thanks so much for posting your stories. Last year we purchased a timeshare at the Mayan Resort. The resort is gorgeous however the country itself does have many problems. This we decided to trade our timeshare and use it in the U.S. Last year we took our 3 year old son who repeatedly vomited while there from almost everything he drank and ate. In the middle of the night he fell out of bed and hit his head on the dresser. I checked him every 20 minutes for any signs of concussion and dreaded if I would have had to take him to any Mexican ER for fear they would harm him. Luckily he was okay and we had a safe trip, but these stories have made me realize now how much danger we were close to. The Mexican Cartel has also added another ingredient of danger to this country and I would hope that all Americans would take caution while there. Thanks for sharing your stories and I cannot imagine the pain you have felt for you loss.

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March 6, 2011

Name:  Angela

Message:  I took a cruise with 8 family members that ended in Acapulco. The city was filthy, the airport had no AC and the staff and security at the airport had such utter contempt for our group of 1000 Americans and Canadians that the hate was palpable while we spent 4 hours in the airport being virtually accosted by the security agents, the searches were degrading and appalling. each bag was opened, dumped on a table in front of onlookers and riffled through by agents. The staff and security people were, mean, rude intimidating and outright frightening. No information was offered and very little English was spoken. After 3 hours in a line no longer than 100 feet then another hour and a half going through more security checks we boarded our plane to Dallas. When the airplane wheels left the ground nearly three hours later than our scheduled departure everyone on board clapped and shouted hooray! The consensus on our plane by the 300 or so passengers was that we would not be  returning to Mexico, ever, and we would warn all people we knew not to travel in Mexico. Of course most connections were missed once we arrived in Dallas. Watch your facebook pages. The Domestic US has beautiful tourist sites like the Florida Keys and many cities by the sea and ocean. Europe is also beautiful. There is no need to travel in Mexico. Thank God for the USA!

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February 23, 2011

Name:  Lynn

Message:  I went to Xel-Ha a few years back and noticed there was zero security/lifeguards at this beautiful Lagoon. I wonder why this is and who owns this facility ? State run or privately owned? It's a beautiful place but very dangerous.

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January 31, 2011

Name:  Rebecca

Message:  I returned from Mexico one day last week and was glad to get out alive.  The person I was visiting had been kidnapped by a cartel group who forced him to drive them around for hours while they delivered drugs.  They just wanted to use his vehicle, and he, fortunately, was released the next morning. I also heard a story from a student there about how the drug cartel had surrounded his high school a few months ago and there was apparently some shooting.  I heard of another young girl who was kidnapped and held hostage for several months before being freed. The police are corrupt and the drug cartels rule.  Anyone living there from the U.S. will receive arbitrary electric bills of thousands of dollars for a month.  It is extortion.  Many, many businesses are closed because the drug lords have extorted them so much they can't afford to have a business.  If you're going to travel, take provisions for stopping to use the restroom by the road, since you will have a hard time finding a store or gas station still open.  Last week the missionary lady had been killed.  I am so sorry for their family.  The drug cartels will set up roadblocks that look like military checkpoints and rob or shoot you. That is how she was murdered.  You are NOT safe in Mexico.  Beware.

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January 29, 2011

Name:  GLYNN

Message:  I'm an Australian who was robbed in Cancun-then jailed by Police for making a complaint then robbed by Police again whilst in custody. Mexico is a dodgy place and I would never go there again. Your sight was referred by an American Lawyer friend of mine who suggested I "share" my experience with you. A much safer option is to  bypass Mexico and go to Cuba-great people, very safe and no drugs-plus the cops are cool..

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Name:  Lee

January 26, 2011

My husband and I were always very aware of the risks of visiting Mexico. I have no desire to EVER go there. I don't care how beautiful that place is. I will NEVER visit Mexico. Aside from sickness and poverty, the corruption is unbelievable. A friend of mine drove his motorcycle from Canada to Brazil and the worst place he had to go through was Mexico. He was also made to pay the policia or they were going to take the license plate off of his bike and not let him leave.  Not my cup of tea thank you.  My heart goes out to all of the families on this website. My condolences for your loss. What you've done with this website is amazing.

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Name:  Michael

January 26, 2011

30 miles south of the San Ysidro boarder (San Diego) along the coast in a restaurant, while waiting for her meal, my friend was interrupted when the cook exited the kitchen with his hands up followed by a bandito pointing a gun.  This is a local, seedy restaurant/bar, and there were half dozen patrons at the bar and a few more at the restaurant tables.  The gunman ordered everyone on the ground and demanded money.  One of the regulars at the bar, drunkenly refused.  The gunman fired a round into the ceiling and another at the cook, striking him in the leg.  My friend stayed down as ordered, emptied her purse.  The bandito gathered his booty and left through the front door.  My friend went to the window to try and identify the vehicle only to find that the police were parked outside, their car backed in, obviously offering protection to the bandito.

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Name:  Alan

January 26, 2011

After living in Baja-cabo for 17 years we finally had enough and left in 2005.

We lived in an upscale gated and guarded community. Over the years we had many incidents; such as  police demanding bribes for payment of fines- many of which were contrived accusations such as not fully stopping at a stop sign or asking us to step out of the car and then claiming we did not have our seat belt fastened. ( Lots of trucks driving around with locals in the pickup box - obviously no seat belts here.)

The Deputy Immigration minister had his two  bodyguards point their guns at us and demanded payment for an accident he caused. The final straw was an accident where ING-Mexico Insurance laughed at us and said you don't really expect you are going to collect even though our guests had paid the $22 per day for full insurance on their rental vehicle. The accident was awful, but the medical care was atrocious.  The ambulances first took them to a field hospital in Todod Santos where the doctor tried to insert an IV when he had blood on his hands from a different patient.  The Clinica Especilades in San Lucas charged huge sums for unreadable x-rays which had to be redone the following day when all 5 had been flown out to hospitals in the USA; all 5 people had infections in the sutures and were lucky to get out for proper treatment before gangrene set in. Even though the paperwork showed Full insurance coverage - the ambulance and hospital would not allow the 5 patients to leave until the $5,500 bill had been paid in cash.

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Name:  Shelley

January 26, 2011

In 2008 my daughter and I had tickets to fly in AeroCalifornia to Mazatlan. A week before we were due to leave I just happened to see a story about how AeroCalifornia was suspended by the Mexican government. I searched and called quite a few number before I finally got someone who told me that there was no way we were getting our money back and no way to get transferred to another flight. The Mexican government was no help. There is no protection. It wasn't a crime per se, but coupled with the fact that the drug cartels run that country, I have made a decision that me or mine will probably never visit Mexico again. It's too bad because the resort people were nice, but the fact is that we do not feel safe. We used to leave the resort all the time, but I don't even want to stay at the resorts now.

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Name:  Laura

January 26, 2011

My story is nowhere near as horrific as the ones posted on this website, however, it was a bad experience and one, along with all the others I hear about people "falling" off their balconies, that keeps me from travelling to Mexico.

My experience occurred in 1986. I am a (Canadian) female and was travelling with a female.  We were in Mexico City at the time.  We had been sightseeing and were waiting for a taxi to take us back to our hotel.  Some people at the bus stop advised us to "just take a bus" and told us what particular bus would take us where we were wanting to go.

Well, apparently this is an organized set up.  Once we got on the bus, some locals separated my friend and I and proceeded to "distract" us by grabbing at our ankles while they took a knife and slit our purses and stole everything; our wallets, ID, credit cards, tourist card, my new camera.  It left us with virtually nothing.

We told the bus driver and he appeared not to understand us.  We got off the bus and went to a traffic cop directing traffic and he told us to go to the Canadian consulate.  He didn't take our names, investigate, nothing.

Luckily for us the consulate was close by.  Long story short, our consulate escorted us back to our hotel, gave us some funds to live on until we flew home.

We then had to fly to Puerto Vallarta (already planned) where we had to get a new tourist card in order to get home from the Consulate there.  It was just after the Canadian from Calgary was killed in the night club in Puerto Vallarta.

The Consulate told us that we wouldn't believe what goes on in Mexico that never gets out into the press.  He told us about a tourist that was killed somehow in the ocean recently and that was also not in the press.

Along with getting sick, having my luggage ransacked and some of it stolen, and this story, I will never travel to Mexico again.....and this was in 1986!!!!

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Name:  Laurie

January 25, 2011

I just read your info. on MSN and thought I'd add a little.  So sorry for your loss......I do love the Caribbean side of Mexico and have been 3 times to the Mayan Riviera.  The last time we went we took our 5 kids with us and had a great time.  I just wanted to mention the complaint we had of the hotel medical staff. 2 of our children, 13 and 15 years old had never been in that kind of climate before and as teens they don't want parents putting on their sun screen.  Later, on the second evening we were there, the 2 kids were crying from the sunburns they got and because it was so late we couldn't purchase any aloe or sunburn relief medicine.  I phoned the front desk and asked if the medic could get us some and they told us to wait until the pharmacy opened in the morning.  How ridiculous in a resort like that to not have anything for our kids.  It was the Bahia Principe Tulum, so if you are going there be sure to bring everything with you.

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Name:  Rosemary  

January 25, 2011

My story seems insignificant to so many others.  However I wish to add my advisory for anyone travelling to Mexico, especially the Maya Riviera.  Six years ago, my daughter and I stayed at a 5-star resort in the area.  While on vacation we visited a close by "water attraction". My daughter got severely sunburned and was quite ill. We went to a so-called clinic on site to see a doctor and had to wait forever for one to come. Even though it was obvious what was wrong, he kept pretending he didn't understand the word "BURN", "needs IV fluids". I had to take her by taxi (which is very dangerous in Mexico) to a hospital-that I had to look up - the Dr. refused to give us any information. Once there imagine our surprise to find the same Dr. pulling up to the hospital behind us. All of a sudden he appeared to know English and insisted we go with him. Fortunately we were able to be seen quickly by an American Dr. who treated my daughter expertly. Obviously, this Mexican Dr. (  and who knows if he was) was trying to cover his ass.  My daughter was in bed for 5 days at our hotel. Medical care is terrible in Mexico. PLEASE make sure you know the name of a facility near where you are staying that has American or Canadian (I am Cdn.) medical personnel. It could have been a lot worse. Better still-travel to another country! God bless you for your work.

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Name:  Russ

January 25, 2011

I am a retired airline employee & have been travelling to Mexico since the 70's . In 2007 I had an experience at the Royal Playa Del Carmen that I will never forget. On eve 3 of our stay housekeeping scattered red rose petals all over the room. My wife came out of the shower and promptly slipped and struck her head on the smooth marble floor , she was unconscious and bleeding badly. I scooped her onto the bed and began 1st aid as I called the front desk for an ambulance. After 20 minutes 2 security guards showed up empty handed and wrestled me away from my unconscious wife and accused me of beating her. Only after another 10 minutes did a maid show up with a 1st aid kit and a "doctor?" The hotel staff kept saying you both are drunk , that is why she slipped. We don't drink , at all!!They charged me $1000 US for the substandard care and wouldn't let us leave the resort until we paid up. I paid $6500 for the week not including air. Money does not seem to be a predeterminer of good care, it just means they think you are a bigger "mark" I tried to submit this story to traveladviser.com but they refused to accept it , personally I think they may be in the hip pocket of the travel industry. It’s a dirty business , I ought to know (better) 

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Name:  Corina

January 25, 2011

We had travelled to a resort outside of Cancun's in Mexico in 2009 and as soon as we came off the plane and entered the airport my husband and I felt like victims.  We had lived in Italy for over 1 year and also visited Spain for a period of time a few years ago and know a bit about the Spanish and Italian culture.  We "Canadians" were just walking wallets there and that is how we felt in Mexico as well.  During our time on the resort the staff at the reception was exceptionally rude!  We felt like sitting ducks and I would NEVER go back to Mexico especially not with our children!  We saved up our money and travelled to Maui last year and it was wonderful!!!!  We felt safer because we are fluent in English and do not need anyone to babysit us and perhaps leading us down a wrong path! 

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Name:  Tomas

January 23, 2011

Hi,  I've been reading your site for quite awhile and thank you for what you're doing by giving voice to those whose lives have been lost. Keep going, please.

We are trying to find our long-time and good friend WILLIAM (BILL) TAYLOR. He's a 65-70 years old white male, about 5'9" to 5'10" with brown hair. He is/was a Canadian citizen. Neither his children, us, or any of his good friends have heard from him in over 2 years--and he used to call quite frequently. He's literally dropped off the face of the earth.

Please advise me of any news you may have or suggest a logical, effective way to contact what authorities who might know about him. BILL TAYLOR was last seen working as a Timeshare salesman in the Cancun-Plays del Carmen area.

We're desperate to find him. Thank you in advance.

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Name:  Tom

January 5, 2011

I was victim of a time share scam and was surfing for info about Mexico.  My problem is trivial compared to what I have read here.  Still hundreds (thousands) of American Citizens are swindled by Mexican Timeshare bandits.  There is much information on the web about this. Check out www.mexicotimesharefraud.info  

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Name:  m.

December 26, 2010

Mexican police can arrest you for anything, even for not having a passport.   anyway, i spent 3 days in a mexican jail somewhere on the yucatan peninsula and was beat half naked by the cops.  i had no money and after being let free after 3 days i had the unfortunate incident of being hit by a truck.  one month in a very shabby mexican hospital.  the officials did not contact my family for weeks after finally doing so, my uncle came down and paid the hefty bill and brought me back. all this and i lost my mind. if you can imagine.  treatment was terrible not even amateur but cruel.  but i am lucky to be alive and cannot return to mexico for 10 years.  and glad for that.  i had spent many months in mexico before that as a volunteer and loved the country but now my heart is broke cause i have seen another side of mexico that is so ugly.  so be warned.  you can end up in a jail cell for nothing but be cool if you do go!

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Name:  MJ

December 14, 2010

Hello I wanted to report a crime in Puerto Morelos. The link below tells most of the story. Basically, I was attending a benefit for “Castaway Kids” at a place called Cantina Habenero. My husband was with me but got sick and left at 10:30pm(he had fever and diarrhea), I left at 11:15ish after bands and benefit had ended. Walked about 1 block out of Cantina and turned down a dirt road (20 feet long) that leads back to the hotel. I was brutally assaulted by a dishwasher that followed me out of the bar. He tackled me and there was a struggle, eventually he has me in a very painful choke hold with a knife blade at my throat. He wanted “sex”……now I am 41yrs old and this kid turned out to be 16 yrs old. Eventually I got away (somehow-luckily) and ran beach way up to our room. My husband went back to cantina and found assailant I described, owner held him until I came back and positively identified him, we all walked ½ block to police station and went to Cancun, he was held and my passport  t copied, we were told to come back next day. By this time the kid confessed and his weapon (and my mace that he grabbed from me) was recovered. I had no official interpreter in the police station (a bartender from Cantina was translating), gave statement and went through sex abuse exam. All this to find out the next day that the assailant was released back into the community. If you would like more details on this case I am happy to provide them. Most details are on the Lonely Planet forum link.

1-    I have traveled the area over 15x in the past several years, and I feel the “tourist targeted” violence is definitely on the rise, seeping down the coast from Cancun. I do not feel the US public is aware of the increasing violence.

2-    I had very bad experience on tripadvisor.com after I returned to US. I wrote to ask for address of cantina so I could send thank you to those who helped me. After a bunch of hassling and “blaming” the victim was then posted. I was threatened by email by owner of Cantina Habenero to remove any posts or he would post more slander and lies about me! This website paints a picture of NO problems…..one guy said it was OK to walk on the beach alone after dark as a woman…EEEKKKK! This is a dangerous bogus site at least for info on the Yucatan area.

Please contact me if you want details or any more information.
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Name:  Amy

December 10, 2010

Message:

I think you should try to get in touch with the family of Mickey Goodwin in Texas.. he drowned at some Caribe resort in mexico Tuesday. My friend was there.. and told me there were NOT red flags... there was not a lifeguard on the beach. The sky did get dark, but there was no one there... once he went under”.......... “but he was drinking so maybe not in the best state of mind" but THAT is precisely why medical staff and lifeguards should be present... I will see if my girlfriend who was there would be willing to speak to you... if so I will refill this form with her info. Sorry to be so shady and anonymous....”

 (click on the 'red text above' to expand or contract the story.)

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Name:  nathaniel

November 24, 2010

This country is horrible me and my wife along with her mother and father, sister. stayed at a top resort long story short her dad became ill like he was having a heart attack i was told by the so called hotel doctor it will be 40 minutes before he can come so we called an ambulance the whole medical system is corrupt well they charged us 400 for the ambulance ride and 4000 for the treatment and they refused to take the iv out my father in laws arm until i paid they will never see my black ass again i took the next plane smoking out that hell hole of a country and i will never return if i want sunshine Will stay in the states period
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Name:  bill

November 18, 2010

I just got back from Guadalajara and it was very dangerous. I felt like my life was in danger all the time, especially on the roads and highway (to lake chapala). I got robbed by police that said i was drinking on the street when the bar offered me to go outside with it. I had to pay them. My room got robbed and i got pick pocketed. I’m 40, a rough looking person (so to speak) and well traveled. Never in my life have i had such a bad experience. I have traveled Mexico many times, and gotten robbed by the police at least 3 times before, and stopped by them at least 6 times before - but this was the worse they just don’t care. I left feeling like this -people with nothing, that have nothing to lose -- and they get desperate. If you want to be around that -- go. Of course it’s the minority of people there as so many people are wonderful --- but your skin color = money and that = problems sometimes.

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Name:  Lisa

November 15, 2010

My husband and I contracted ameobic dysentary at the Iberostar Pariaso del Mar on November 10th. The resort and corporate office refuse to speak with us and keep telling us to "send the e-mails". We are both still ill and were hospitalized when we returned to the US.  My husband was hospitalized in Cancun and could not see a doctor till a $2,500 retainer was given.  This was our honeymoon and it turned into a nightmare. 
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Name: Anonymous

November 16, 2010          

Message:

We were only truly warned by our government about other parts of Mexico never the Riviera . All the reports point to Cancun as an area where young students should be careful.

 (click on the 'red text above' to expand or contract the story.)

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Name:  Todd

October 28, 2010

I am hoping to enlist someones help with an accident I was involved in at a Resort in Playa del Carmen.  The injury was caused by falling off of an inflatable water slide that was placed in only 3' of water.  This resulted in a broken leg and 2 complicated surgeries.  I may never be able to walk normally again.  Whats worse is that the resort refused me medical attention.  I had to fly back to the states (approx. 8 hours) with the injury not attended to which resulted in furthering the injury. Thank you for any assistance.

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Name:  Margaret

October 11, 2010

Please add the death of Loranzo Madrid - 10/12/00 & serious injury to Joseph Rangel after being lost at & stranded on the deserted island, Guardian Angel Island, without food or water.  These men were provided with an unlicensed guide while they were deep sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez.  The booking agency & owner of the boat was The Sea of Cortez Sport Fishing, the ship was the Celia Angelina.  Joe Rangel has & will continue to do TV show telling his story about this horrific experience.  He has appeared on Investigation Discovery Channel "Escaped" in 2008 & a new show will air in December or January 2010 on the Animal Planet program "I Shouldn't Be Alive".  Again the Mexican authorities conducted an incompetent search - and for my husband they provided incompetent medical care. One thing I did as Joe's wife was file a complaint as a private citizen with the NAFTA Sectariat & a Nafta Investigation & Laws suit was filed against the fishing company & Captain of the fishing boat, also we filed a law suit in the US Federal Court & won.  Americans need to know their first action needs to be a letter to the Sectary of State, requesting that the Sectary of State asked the President of the US to intervene for you, be sure to state what happen then state the request for the president’s intervention & what you want from his intervention.  Make sure the letter is sent, signed receipt requested, you want to create a verifiable paper trail.  Then send an email to the NAFTA SECTARIAT and request to file a complaint as an individual.  Then once a month write your senators, and congressman and request the progress with your request & if a case has been opened?  What you are seeking is to have an american ambassador (usually out of Texas) assigned to your case.  You can also contact your local FBI office and request that they investigate your incident. I would like to volunteer with a group that wants to petition our government to refuse all financial aide to Mexico until they at the bare minimum provide emergency medical aid to american citizens and provide standards for the respectful treatment of our citizens that have passed away.  Also a definition of how our citizens are interrogated.  My husband, Joe, was interrogated for hours by the DA of San Philepe when he had sugar levels over 250, a temp of 103 deg, a sever infection & cellulites on both legs, 13 blood clots in his legs and stomach, and a bleeding ulcer, just to name a few of his medical ailments.  

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Name:  luis

September 13, 2010

I just got back from cancun where the 19 old year old girl fell from the 6th floor balcony in rui caribe., my friend was on the balcony on the phone and heard her falling and landing on the side walk. at first we thought some one was fighting but it was her boyfriend screaming and some other people trying to help, but she was just bleeding to much. prayer goes to her family.

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Name:  Guy

August 9, 2010

Hi, unfortunately I am the son of one of the victims listed on your site. I am writing you because we also put up a web site, www.mexinada.com. There is also a link to your site o it. If you want to put with her death notice, it would be much appreciated. Also, a little correction, the date of her death was Sept. 17, not 13.

Another interesting fact is her killer was a fugitive from the USA who killed his own mom 7 weeks before killing mine.

Although the angle of our site might be a bit different, I think we all pursue the same purpose.

Thank you for reading this,

Guy

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Name:  Terri

July 2, 2010

This week my friend and I are in Cozumel on vacation.  During his 2nd day of diving, a man on the boat died while diving. This poor man in his 40's was there with his daughter age 17 taking her for her first open water dive.

There was nothing anyone could really do for him. He was a very experienced diver as my friend had talked to him on the boat on the way to the dive site.  They aren't sure if he had a heart attack or some other problem as he dropped his weight belt and mask and surfaced too rapidly.  This caused a pulmonary embolism that killed him. The dive shop did everything they could, performed CPR, etc. but this one wasn't meant to be. Two other Americans on the trip took the girl back to their hotel until her mother was able to get here.  Such a sad situation.

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Name:  Scott

July 1, 2010

On June 19th, 2010, while in Puerto Vallarta with my family, a woman was electrocuted and died from cardiac arrest, after stepping on a decorative light.  She and her husband were coming up from the beach when the event happened.  My family and I watched in horror as people attempted to do CPR.  The Hotel, which was not mentioned in the PV,MEX newspaper, refused to give guests newspapers the next day.  After EMS left with the woman, who supposedly lives in GA, two maint. Personnel ran to repair or remove the light before civil protection arrived.  I had heard that "The Villa Group" who owns the hotel, is headquartered in CA.  I believe a cover-up may be in the works by the hotel..  I witnessed the whole thing and hope to somehow help this gentleman whose wife needlessly lost her life.
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Name:  Paula

May 3, 2010

I am a Canadian citizen who has just returned from the Riviera Maya. I searched for days to find a site dealing with crime and cover-up in Mexico. My husband and I feel very lucky to have escaped with our lives. Our story I'm sure is not unique but we still feel we have been caught up in a bad dream. I would just like the opportunity to warn others that feel they are free from worry at a 5 star resort. I know that I'm not American but Canadians and Americans have always been the closest of neighbors and relatives. I will gladly recall our recent horror if it can be of help to anyone. I am going to contact our foreign affairs dept. to report what happened. Unfortunately since returning on Sun April 28 my body is suffering effects of our misadventure. Thank you for speaking out and providing this forum .I will be sure to forward it to all my fellow citizens before they consider Mexican travel.

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Name:  Mike

April 21, 2010

June 17 1988 My Brother was shot and killed while being robbed near Puerto Vallarta. Police stopped and tried to implicate his girl friend which is absurd. Finally the consulate "said" a man had been arrested.

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Name:  Stacy

April 9, 2010

My cousin's husband passed away tragically last week on a snorkeling excursion in Cozumel. The tour company is a locally operated business contracted by a major cruise line and took out tourists for a snorkeling trip. Her husband did not return afterward and was not even missed by the tour managers despite three "guides" hired for safety reasons. The tour company returned to shore, arguing with his wife for 30-40 minutes that all were accounted for. They also refused to search for him, denying he was missing until a local passerby took mercy on the wife and kayaked out into the ocean only to find his body floating in the ocean. He was then recovered and cpr attempted after this lengthy delay. An American physician on the trip refused to do CPR due to "liability risk". Our relative was pronounced dead in f4ront of his children after CPR failed. While his death was attributed to a heart attack who knows if he might have been saved were it not for the negligent tour company. And how can a major cruise operator contract a dive operator that is irresponsible and negligent enough to not only leave a tourist who was 100 yds out in the ocean but also argue that he did not exist and refuse a search? Can they not do a headcount? Later, local authorities attempted to charge his wife $5000 to ship the body which she was never even allowed to see. She was then stranded in Mexico with her children for days since they did not have passports. Most important- NEVER LEAVE THIS COUNTRY WITHOUT A PASSPORT REGARDLESS OF CRUISELINE REQUIREMENTS. It is almost impossible to reenter the US in any timely manner in the event of an accident or illness. I can only compliment the cruise line and US consulate on their efforts yet I believe that tourists are deceived about the risks in Mexican tourism.
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Name:  Sherri

April 8, 2010

I lived in Playa Del Carmen for six months back in 1993. Some of my new friends worked at the hotels in Cancun and Cozumel. They would have drinks at night talking about how they "lost" (died) about 10-15 tourists a week in Cancun. Deadly tides with different colored warning flags every 20 feet (clue). The most dangerous activities are para sailing accidents, jet skis and driving. Rape is almost legal in Mexico. I was almost raped walking on the beach at sunset in Playa. When my new Mexican friends found out they said I was very lucky to have escaped and that many woman got raped walking or running on that part of the beach one cove up from the hotels. Men hide in the trees waiting. The police would raid the town once a month and lock up people on bogus drug charges - but the locals know when they are coming. After the taxi driver dropped me off at the airport he asked for double what we had agreed upon. I said no but gave him a nice tip. He slammed the trunk down ma d with half my luggage still in it and drove off. I've traveled all over the world but I will not go back to Mexico.
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Name:  Charles

April 5, 2010

Our daughter, Amanda was killed on March 16, 2004 in Cancun, Mexico.  She was hit by a City bus.  The bus driver failed to stop after hitting Amanda on the main Cancun highway until passengers forced him to pull over several blocks later.

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Name:  Cheryl

April 4, 2010

I believed I just responded to you at a cbs site, where you wrote in about the assault on Zeke Rucker in Cancun.  I am going to contact the Rutgers parent association to ask them to get out the word.  The news media have not covered this story to any great extent, and I will try to contact them also.   Have you tried contacting the parent organizations of different schools?  I'm sure the parents of the young man who is in the hospital now, wishes they had read your website also.  Also, no one is reporting the name of the hotel, which is Tucancun.

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Name: Amanda

April 1, 2010
I’m trying to find out name and address of a 14yr old girl I did CPR on at a beach at Casamagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta. She was driving a Jet Ski and had a fatal accident. I think she was staying at hotel next door. I heard she
passed away and I just need some closure……a name, address and where she is from. I appreciate any help in matter. What I know is that the accident happened on March 27th. They brought her up on the beach at the hotel I was staying in which was the Casamagna Marriott in Puerto Vallarta by the marina. We heard she was staying next door to the Marriott but we don’t know the name of the hotel. She was 14 years old and her name was Morgan. I think she might have been from California but I’m not sure. She was taken to the Amrimed hospital first and then transferred to I believe the CQM. I just feel very unsettled about the incident. It took the ambulance 35 minutes to respond and they were only two blocks away. When they did arrive they had NO oxygen or any equipment to work on her with. It was so traumatic for her Dad who was there in shock screaming for his little girl. I did what I could, but it just wasn’t enough. My only thoughts were at least they don’t have to say their little girl died on the beach in Mexico because she did make it to the hospital. I’m not sure what, if anything, will settle me down emotionally but it’s worth trying.
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Name:  Jeffrey

March 31, 2010

We deeply appreciated your website that warn everyone for the jeopardize our safety to go to the unsafe destination of Mexico.  I traveled over 100 countries, including Mexico.  Mexico is definitely not a desire place to go.  I had a bad experience in anti-gringo territory in the past and I was lucky to survive today.  I was nearly robbed and knifed-attack by a warm-hearted smiling thug who wanted my money after I generously paid him for a taxi ride.   I quickly backed off when the merciless thug suddenly attacked me with his big buck knife.  I quickly ran and jumped over the restaurant counter to protect myself.  Several witnesses were there at the restaurant rest stop and someone called the police and the thug hid his knife.  The police arrived at the site and they questioned me, but not thug.  First time, they did not believed me what I said because the restaurant manager and the thug lied to police that there was no knifed attack and the police did not find any weapon on the body search.  I demanded the police to search the thug's car and the police found the knife from the car.  The police let me free, but they took me to the bus station while the police briefly questioned and freed the thug and somehow, the police were paid by the thug.  I was shaken, but I was unhurt.  Earlier, that thug was planned to stop in the middle of nowhere on the road, but I paid him extra and so, he continued to drive to the restaurant rest area.  If I did not pay him and/or argue with him, then I would be dead and my body would be dump in a remote forest location.  Mexico has numerous corruptions, especially for law enforcements, unscrupulous tourist workers and government officials who often let drug runners and criminals to roam and prey on innocent people by bribery.  Just recently, ten youngsters were brutally maimed and murdered by drug gangs with throwing grenades near Durango, Mexico.  How could Mexico drug lords dare to kill innocent children  by throwing grenades and heavy machine gunning on them while corrupted police and crooked soldiers were bribed and silenced by drug lord gangs and criminals?!  There are unscrupulous people anywhere in Mexico from restaurateurs to taxi drivers, including prostitutes, who want your money, especially for their favorite target: white gringos because they believed that gringos are wealthy.  Also, they often spiked date rape drugs into innocent women's beverages and that led to rape and murder.  Fallings from the balcony were often crime- related involvement by pushing people off from the balcony in order to cover up and show a lack of crime evidence - crooked police did not do anything about these unsolved crimes.  Criminals and drug lord gangs often got away from the corrupted justice and crooked police.  Mexican people had been indoctrinated by huge anti-gringos propaganda schooling media that led them to prejudice toward gringos, especially white skinned people because of a long historical animosity between US and Mexico, especially after the fall of Alamo.  These situations annoyed us terribly because we do not want to travel in a fear and anxious in the violent and dangerous country of Mexico that could ruin our pleasurable vacation.  We suggest you to avoid Mexico at all cost and go to a safer and pleasure place to visit in a much farther south such as the beautiful country of Chile.   Please do not be fool yourself by trusting their warm-hearted and smiling Mexican faces - We are serious about this - NO JOKE!  The old die-hard ruthless flamboyant Mexican bandits still live on to roam and terrorize innocent Mexicans and gringos in wild Mexico! 
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Name:  Dan

March 23, 2010

I returned from my university "Reading Break" in Cancun last February 2010. At the hotel I was staying at: 3 separate girls were raped by taxi drivers, an American was struck by a Mexican on a motorcycle and was then put in hospital for 3 days and then released only to be jailed for a night until police could figure out what happened, my friend's hotel room was ransacked and their suit case locks cut in order to steal items, I personally had several items stolen from room, my other friend was in a taxi that did not want to pull over for the police and was chased-with sirens and lights going-for several blocks before the police gave up, I went to several clubs like Senior Frogs in which their was no supervision of any kind regarding women being fondled and accosted while screaming for the guys to stop as well people nearly drowning in the lagoon water slide after going down 4 at a time. Cancun is beautiful but also has a very dark side and NO girl should ever be with out a male escort at night time. BTW the hotel was a 4 star.
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Name:  Diane

February 25, 2010

I am deeply sorry to the families who were treated unjustly. It isn't fair that these families continue to suffer when the resorts responsible for these deaths are still making so much money and luring US citizens. I came across this website because I was trying to find websites to publish my story. Trip Advisor and Orbitz refused to publish anything that can possibly hurt their business partner's profits.

On October 22nd 2009, my husband and I booked a 7 day all-inclusive vacation to Cancun through Orbitz.com. We stayed at Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun room 5403, which was a two-level unit with polished marble staircase leading up to a 2nd floor deck with swimming pool. On the 26th of October, I slipped on the staircase due to wet floor and shoes stacked on the staircase by housekeeping. This fall resulted in a broken ankle (fracture on both the tibia and fibula). My husband and I quickly got into a taxi cab and went straight to the emergency room where x-rays were taken and the ankle was set and I was put in a cast to support my broken bones. The doctor advised me to have the surgery within 12 hours after the injury otherwise it will cause pulmonary embolism and thrombosis; both can lead to death. I did not have the surgery in Mexico and opted to go back home to Los Angeles for surgery. We then had to take a taxi cab back to the hotel to arrange an emergency flight back to Los Angeles and the earliest flight we could get was in the morning.

After a painful sold out flight on coach, I went straight to the emergency room at UCLA Med Center for surgery and had a 6” plate and 8 screws drilled in my bones. I was off work for 2 and ½ months and I’m now back to work but can only work part time because I’m still in constant pain as the recovery for this kind of injury is extensive. I was informed by my Orthopedic Surgeon that I will never have 100% use of my left leg, but I continue to go to physical therapy to build the muscle and strength I’ve lost.

I was injured because of this hotel's negligence but they did nothing to help us. No ambulance was called and no accommodations done. In fact we were downgraded to another room when we got back from the ER. We're terribly shocked with the way this hotel treated us after paying a lot of money to stay there.

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Name:  Pete

February 22, 2010

Asian man drowns at J.W.Marriott Cancun 02/20/2010. 3 Asian men in ocean @ Marriott beach. 2 men survived riptide without assistance.  By the time a lifeguard got to 3rd man it had been at least 20 minutes. Finally rental jetski was sent to get him but was face down in water. Seemed like a vacationer that attempted CPR. It took at least 1/2 hour for paramedics to arrive. Police show up well after that. Key points Marriott had yellow flags out, not red.  I spoke with 3 people on the beach telling them to put up the red flags and 1 at the front desk after this tragedy but nothing happened until 3:00 when I spoke with the lifeguard that was far more visible than in previous days. I asked the lifeguard if the water was safe he replied yes. I told him about the man that drowned earlier in the day and he replied "It's because he was Chinese and they are stupid". He finally put out the red flags after our conversation. 1 lifeguard for 3 people is not a plan that I would expect from a high end US Hotel Company and I think that if they had lifeguards as they do in the US this man would be alive today. These men were on a corporate rewards vacation for a Global company called Terradata. I'm sure they spoke English and were very educated. I feel the hotel could have done a better job notifying the guests of the dangers that involve powerful riptides and undertows. I experienced them first hand with my 11 year old son and wife. My wife had me grab my son and use the rope to get out of the water. My son could have never gotten out on his own and we were only about 10' from shore. No lifeguard was insight that day. I am disgusted that Marriott is a multi-billion dollar American company and should have at least 3 lifeguards per adjoining hotels a total of 6. The lifeguard only had a small floating devise, no surfboard, boat or jetski.  The ocean in Cancun is very dangerous. This is being ignored for the almighty dollar.
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Name:  Mark

February 4, 2010

This is a written description of the events that took place on Monday morning, January 25, 2010 around 2:10 am during my stay at The Hotel Abbey in Puerto Vallarta

 (click on the 'red text above' to expand or contract the story.)

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Name:  Janice

December 13, 2009

I lost my son just over 2 years ago, whom u have posted on your website (Chris Morin Since my son's passing it truly has been hell as far as trying to get help, or answers from the government or any  other organizations here for some kind of logical answer as to why my son is not alive today.  Everything I have found I have found myself through lots of pain and heart ache. I have taken a bit of a break right now as sometimes it becomes overwhelming to think anymore and the holidays are also approaching. I also have a daughter whom asked me to please leave things  alone for now at least till her wedding is over in April 2010 as she says she needs her mother.  My son did not fall off a balcony and a lot of his death was covered up by the Mexican Authorities. I, as his mother promised to try my best for  get answers even though it will not bring him back. I am stuck and confused as to what my next step should be? My heart goes out to you and your family and everyone that  has lost someone in this place of death. This website that u have created for your son has helped me a lot as the pain I feel I know u feel. Families should not have to go through this heartache...Life is hard enough. Thanks and hope to hear from you.

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Name:  Yasi

November 22, 2009

My boyfriend Dana was murdered in Zihuantanejo, Mexico on Friday, the 13th of November, 2009. He was robbed in broad daylight...probably for his watch, which was the only thing not recovered. He was found on the pier - with the fishermen & the sea that he loved his whole life - and suffered/died of blunt force trauma to the head. He was found unconscious by ....someone...and taken to the clinic. the only thing he had on him was his phone. The EMTs called all the numbers and finally got through to his closest friends and his parents. They ordered a medi vac for him but he died of a cardiac arrest on the tarmac. The police are covering it up, saying he was dizzy and fell. I received an email from him at 11am and by 2pm his family & friends were contacted, advising that he was in a coma. Where he was found is a very busy spot, right outside the harbor master's office, on a busy fishing pier. There are people there all day and through most of the night. The police won't investigate because it would hurt tourism. We will never see the people who murdered him be brought to justice. We will never have closure. He was only 39 years old.

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Name:  Joe

November 21, 2009

I was in Cabo San Lucas this past March (2009) and went out for a walk to a sunset point- on a ridge above the Pacific.  As I was standing atop the ridge photographing the sunset I noticed two police vehicles drive to where my vehicle was parked, about 1/4 mile down a trail.  They had 2 "police" at the vehicle and four others walked up the trail, I met them on the way down.  They had drawn guns and told me to put my hands up and they frisked me.  I showed them I was simply taking sunset pictures and they proceeded to say they were arresting me for drug possession (I had no drugs).  They would not let me leave unless I paid the "fine" on the spot- otherwise I was going to be taken to jail.  They told me they wanted my camera- I said "no".  I speak a little Spanish (which helps a great deal) so I ended up coughing up $60 to them in an extortion payment. I then chided them for what they were doing and told them I hoped that the dinero would keep them drunk for a couple of days. They laughed but then one of them was upset at me talking back, and he redrew his gun and walked back towards me in my vehicle, asking me if I had "a problem", and I drove away (quickly).   What happened to me was scary, fortunately my wife/kids were not with me, they were downtown having innocent fun.  I had some excellent interaction with locals there otherwise, including in remote areas finding hiking routes over the spectacular inland mountains, but the police are evil and corrupt.  They are not really police, in civil terms, they are an extortion force and peddle for themselves and their gangs.  I love the extraordinary natural environment and the people in Mexico, but, alas, their police and drug gangs are pure evil, it's a spectacular problem and one that will severely effect peace and civil society throughout the Americas for a very long time to come.

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November 12, 2009

Though my experiences in Mexico were nowhere near as tragic as others have experienced, I think they are relevant and worth mentioning. Please feel free to use them as you see fit.

Several years back I was in Cancun and went on a group snorkeling excursion. It was not well supervised and as a result - I got caught in a current or riptide of some sort. I was carried FAR away from the rest of the group, being carried out to sea, and I was convinced I was going to die that day. I flagged down a passing ship and yelled for help... no one on board made any effort to assist. The tourists simply yelled for me to "float on my back". Somehow I managed to get back to the group boat - exhausted but I lived.

Another time I was picked up by 2 policemen at night and extorted from. I had been walking back to the hotel from Senor Frogs and they told me to get into the car. I didn't speak Spanish so I did what I was told. They drove to the middle of no-where and told me that if I gave them $300 there would be no problem. I never carry that much cash with me so they took the 40.00 I had and left me to find my own way back to Cancun. I packed my bags and left for the airport.

I will never set foot in Mexico again. The corruption is epidemic. When even the police are on the take, you can't be assured of any level of safety.

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Name:  Paris

September 29, 2009

My friend's son recently drowned in a swimming pool at a resort in Acapulco Mexico.  What are his legal options and best course of action?

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September 13, 2009

Name:  Kathryn

I'd like to offer my condolences on your terrible loss, and those of the other families.  I've been living in Mexico for 3 months with my young son, and have already experienced a pool with dangerous suction, that caused me pain, and would definitely have trapped my son's hand or foot.  My boyfriend, son, and I have also been robbed, and laughed at by the police.  We have traveled extensively on all seven continents and are not marshmallows, but our worst experience of all of these places has been Mexico.  I am an attorney with degrees from Dartmouth and Columbia Law, and would like to do something to help.  I think that if people research Mexican vacations on Amazon and find a book about these risks and the callous indifference of the Mexican officials, it might have a substantial impact.  I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether collecting these stories in book form, as well as reports on US/Mexican policies, and recommendations for change, might be helpful. Best regards

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Name:  Victoria

June 20, 2009

A group of 10 of us just traveled to Cabo in May.  We have traveled to Mexico several times...I'm always somewhat uncomfortable there.  I am fair and always get stared at and stink eye.  We were at the marina, had lunch (I had a beer and 1 margarita) and after we were done my husband and friends husband were off negotiating for a boat for deep sea fishing while my friend and I were headed to the flea market with the remaining 6 (all young people, our kids and their friends, in their 20's). My friend and I turned around to look and no one was behind us.  Thinking that we had just gotten too far ahead, we stopped at Hooters to have a beer and wait.  My friend went to the bathroom and our beers came, mine was opened.  I didn't think anything of it...but that's the last I remembered of the day.  I do remember walking back to find the rest of the party, and everything else was reported to me by our party.  I have NO recollection of events.  I was drugged either at Margaretville or Hooters (my money is on Hooters).  I don't know what the motive was - either I was being set up, or just ran into a couple of haters.  I am very fortunate that I had enough people there who were looking out for me and made it back safely.  In retrospect...I am FURIOUS!!  I am one of the lucky ones, but I will never push my luck again!  Mexico will never get my tourism dollar or anyone I can talk out of traveling there again!  My heart goes out to all of those who were not so lucky.
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Name:  Cheryl 

June 3, 2009

My husband died in Puerto Vallarta on 03/20/09 3 hours after arriving on vacation.  He was in the ocean w/our 12 y/o son.  He was in excellent health, a physician, and a strong swimmer.  The events following his "drowning" could fill a book from "no lifeguard on the beach", the hotel manager saying not to perform CPR "under the circumstances", no lifejackets for children at this particular resort, the next day "2 lifeguards on the beach w/binocular", the floating trampoline which my husband and son were swimming to "moved almost in to the shore", no access for the ambulance, the nightmare at the hospital, followed by the police station, and in general just dealing w/the Mexican government.  We had been to Mexico many times, however, will probably never return.

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Name:  Eric

June 2, 2009

My son age 43 drowned April 13 in the ocean. He was there with his wife and child. He was a straight as arrow family man, no drinks etc.

I speculate that he was caught in the under tow. No Life Guards, no warnings about the dangers. No warnings by the seller of the package, on check in or at any other time. My daughter in law was told that in a few weeks leading up to April 13 6 drownings took place and my son was number 7.I am 80 and John was my only son. My grief is indescribable. Please write or call. I am trying to get a law suit going. Not for money but to tell the world about the deception practiced by Mexican hotel operators.

Hope to hear from you,
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Name:  Tina

March 26, 2009

My sister was in a scooter accident in cozumel in december 2008.

It has been a nightmare! She died 12/29/08. She also didn't recieve medical care and we had to pay outrageous medical bills in order to have her brought back to the states. We could not get any help from the us consulate agent.

We paid $24,000 to air care just to have go get Janice and bring her back to the states. We feel your pain and I'm so very sorry for your lose as well.

Please contact me if possible.
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Name:  stephania

March 27, 2009

Message:  Hello My family and I visited the Riviera Mya this past week (3/14-3/24). We had problems with the overall help from the people employed at the hotel from the beginning until the morning we checked out. One night after returning from a trip to Tulum my father had a heart attack. I am so fortunate to say that my father is alive and I'm very sorry to hear about all of the losses of all of the people on the webpage, but my father could've been one of those people. The hotel doctor arrived and had no idea what was going on, my sister was actually holding an IV in my fathers arm while the doctor was scrambling around. He was taken by ambulance to one hospital, then to another in order to see the cardiologist. My fathers heart attack lasted hours and he could've died if my family didn't produce 20,000 US dollars in order for him to be catheterized. When my step mom asked why they weren't helping him they simply gave her a blank look and didn't care to do anything for him until they got the deposit. My father's life was worth exactly $20,000 to these people. Again, I am so grateful that my dad is alive but this is no way for anyone to be treated, not in any country in the world. We asked for help from the employers at the resort and recieved none in order to get to my father who was an hour and a half away.
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Name:  Cheryl

April 29, 2009

My husband died on March 20, 2009, at the Dreams Villamagna Nueva Vallarta area of Puerto Vallarta while swimming in the ocean with our 12 y/o son.  There was no lifeguard on duty that day, and the raft had been moved way out into the ocean to swim out to.  The waves were quite large and coming from all directions.  There were many heroic people there that day, however, he did not survive.  We have yet to receive the autopsy report.

The day after, there was a lifeguard on the beach with binoculars watching the raft that had been moved quite close to the shore.  The frustration comes with being in a foreign country where no one speaks English.  Any paperwork I have is in Spanish including the police report and death certificate which is incorrect with cause of death stating he was under water for 6 hours.  I am not sure we will ever know how he died.
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Name:  allison

Date: 3/24/09

Purpose:  Report Death/Crime

I heard you on Howard Stern today and made me think of what happened to my son in Mexico.  Nothing as bad as yours, and I will say up front that I am heartbroken for your loss of your son.  My son went to Mexico for a spring break vacation and was a college student so he was drinking in a bar.  He doesn't know if he was slipped something in his drink but when he woke up he was missing the very expensive ($1500) watch that he was wearing and the cash out of his pockets.  The next day he was away from the resort and walking down a street to meet friends at a beach when he was stopped by the police who said they were arresting him for urinating in public.  He said he hadn't even left the resort.  They insisted and were hauling him off to jail.  They told him that the beach he was going to had college kids urinating there the day before and they were going to assume it was him.  The only way he could get out was to pay the fine up front.  They brought him back to his hotel where he had his last $300 cash that he gave to the police. There was no paperwork, so I am just assuming that crooked mexican cops took his cash.

This seems trivial to report but I am reporting it because if you can't trust the officials and the police, then who can you trust?
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Name:  jeana

A group of 36 people were vacationing in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mexico.  We had towed our trailers down there to an RV park on the beach. On May 5th, we were robbed. They stole everything that was not bolted down.  There was suppose to be a security guard on duty, however, he was nowhere to be found when we were being robbed. I spoke to the RV park owner, and he said it was common for robberies, and that it was most likely organized crime (gangs) ripping off tourists.

I would be very careful if you are traveling to Mexico, and if you are going to go in an RV, make sure everything is locked or inside during the night.

Also, I would carry some mace in your RV incase someone tries to get inside.

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Name:  Jill

On April 10, 1990 I was in Palenque with 9 friends. It's a long story that I won't go into, but the 10 of us went to the ruins to see the sunrise, which we were told was beautiful. We felt safe because we were in a large group, some of them Mexican. On the road, as we were walking there, 4 soldiers with guns stopped and separated us. I was raped at gunpoint by one of them. I filed a report with the local tourist office and police, who arrested him. I stayed an extra week to file my statement and go through their process, but I was never asked to return for a trial. I was told never to return to that area, as his family would find out and kill me. After, I was told by the US Consulate that he was put in jail for 10 years. Whether it is true, or whether he served the sentence I do not know.

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Name:  Angela

Thank you all so much for making the huge effort to get this site up and running.  My heart absolutely breaks for your family and the all of the others who are also suffering from such senseless tragedies.  Jan. 22 is the two year anniversary of my own personal Mexican nightmare.  I have not yet submitted my story to this or any  other website other than to warn bloggers on Trip Advisor's site.....not the place to actually try to get the truth out, as they quickly yank any "offensive"  material.  I have been trying very hard to move on with my life since being raped by an entertainment manager at the Golden Parnassus Hotel in 2007.  The feeling that there is still something more that I could be doing to warn people, about Mexican tourism, is still nagging at me.  I have already dealt for two years with the "justice system", and even with assistance from the FBI, the Consulate, the State Dept., the Mexican Consulate, the governor of Quintana Roo, and every other possible source I could think of, our case against this serial rapist was dismissed, appealed, and dismissed again.  I have not gone public with my story primarily because I live in a very small town (2,000) in which everyone knows everyone else and I don't wish to subject my family or myself to that kind of scrutiny.  My children are still young. Having said this, I am still determined that there is something that I must do to make a difference.  I am one of those people who still believes that one person can be an agent for change.  This letter has rambled on long enough I guess.  What I would like to know is whether or not you have ever done any billboards advertising your website.  What other kinds of publicity have you used to get the word out about M.V.A.?  Do you have vinyl clings to put on vehicles?  Personally, I am a big fan of the T-shirt as a form of advertisement.  In Feb.people from my hometown will be vacationing at the very hotel where I was raped...and know all but one of these couples fairly well.  The thought of being quiet and just letting this go is enough to make me crazy.  I thought that when our appeal was rejected that I would be able to put it to rest, but I just can't yet.  Think I have a little more fight left in me.  Some things are just so wrong that it's harder to walk away than to stand up to it and fight.  I suspect that you can relate to how I feel.  Please let me know how you are spreading the word about your website and if I could work with you to inform people in my part of the States.

Thanks for taking the time to read this....hope it made some sense.

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Name:  Geraldine

My husband and I went to Cancun, Dreams Resort in November 2008 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.  Even though we were supposed to be safe on our resort we were drugged. Him more than I.  He experienced severe neurological changes and needed to go to the hospital.  The first crime against us was when the hotel confiscated a pill fragment he threw up and never sent it to the hospital, they put it in their safe after taking a picture of it.  The second crime was when I needed to pay $5000.00 up front on my credit card before my husband would be treated.  The treating "physician" Dr. Abrajhan at the Hospiten Cancun threatened me by stating "You need to remember you are not in your own country", when I started to question my husband's care and our bill.   From what I have read on this website we were very lucky. I feel horrified still over what happened to us I can only imagine how others feel.  I would like Mexico to actually be considered a terrorist country toward us Americans.  I think Americans only go because they don't know any better. I know we did not when we planned our trip.  There has to be something said when ATM machines get filled with 4 armed guards holding machine guns.

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Name:  Kevin

Our family went on a cruise that stopped in Cozumel. I went into town by cab and decided to walk back to the dock alone in broad daylight. On a lonely stretch of road a truck carrying 5-6 men passed me several times.

Each pass slower than the previous. They then stopped ahead of me and waited for me. As I approached they began speaking to me in Spanish. I didn't understand until they showed several handguns that I was being robbed. Even as cabs and busses drove by with other passengers from the cruise ship. They drove off and I stood in the street to stop the next bus which "allowed" me to board as a result of my circumstances. I had no ID, no boarding card, nothing! The cruise line assisted with getting me back on the ship and advised me to avoid reporting the matter because it would not result in any arrests. I insisted on reporting the incident and the local police arrived to question me. I was threatened with arrest, I was told I would be held in jail and the ship would leave without me. They accused me of buying drugs and that was the reason I was robbed. They wanted a blood sample to prove their point. I decided to follow the advice of the cruise personnel and drop my request for a report. If you go on a cruise that stops in Mexico, stay on the ship. Mexico is a very dangerous and lawless country that I will never step foot into again.

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Name:  Rae-Lyn

Two weeks ago tomorrow I witnessed a man drown at the RIU Playacar in Playa Del Carmen. I have not slept more than two hours a night since. I have many issues with this event that I need to share with you before I am able to let this go.

There are many "lifeguards" sitting on top of towers pretending to know something about life saving in this area. Be warned. THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT LIFESAVING. The "lifeguard" swam out to "rescue" the man that was struggling in the water without ANY life saving device--even though there are at least four that I could count on the beach. Not surprisingly the rescue was unsuccessful in waves as tall as my house with a dimwit with no life ring as the rescuer.

There were red flags out that day--danger these flags mean stay out of the water. DANGER DANGER!!!

The man that drown was a 73 year old man who should not have been swimming in the big waves and likely got on the wrong side of the sandbags meant to keep the beach from eroding) I never saw how he got to the wrong side of the sandbags only that he could not get back to the shallow side.

Many tourists attempted to help the initial rescuer while his boss from the playacar stood on the beach and watched. (with a little radio in his hand) He never got a backboard...got an airway...got a defibrillator. put towels down to lay the man on when they brought him in from the ocean, (let me guess--they've never seen anyone drown here before...)

When we finally did get the man to the beach the Riu staff were useless. The lifeguard wanted to simply turn him on his side and pat his back. The man was lifeless, pulse less not to mention entirely blue. We initiated CPR. It took RIU over ten minutes before we had a venti mask. They NEVER HAD an airway or bagger. They got us a backboard after we had been doing CPR for 15 minutes already. The ambulance arrived after at LEAST 25 minutes. The ambulance driver never assessed the pt at all. She pronounced him dead without ever glancing at him. The management of RIU was more interested with removing the nuisance than with trying to save his life. I am horrified. I feel absolutely ill. I have never felt so helpless and frustrated.

I felt there were many things that contributed to the untimely death of this man.

1)Sandbags--many times throughout our stay at PDC we saw people stranded on the "wrong" side of the sandbags--I'll bet there has been an increase in deaths from drowning in the area since the placement of the sandbags--we will likely never know as these things are not publicized.

2) Rescuer without any rescue aid and from my vantage point no rescue knowledge--I was shocked to realize that the RIU employee initially assisting me with this man had seemingly no knowledge of CPR. Three other nurses and a doctor and a firefighter (all tourists) attempted to resuscitate this man for 25 minutes.

3)No equipment to aid in his rescue: no airways,ambubag, backboard or an AED--it is 2009 people!!!

4)THE DOCTOR FROM THE PLAYACAR NEVER ARRIVED ON SCENE--NOT EVER!!!!!!!

5)The ambulance took aver 25 minutes to arrive and even then carried faulty equipment and untrained ambulance attendants.

I still feel awful for leaving this man's wife in the hands of that cold heartless ambulance attendant and the guy with the radio from RIU. I can only pray for her and her family.

Travel safely with your families and be aware that you are on your own in Playa Del Carmen!

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Name: Mary

In March of 2004 I accepted a position as a registered nurse for Club Med Ixtapa. This is a family vacation resort and I have experience both in level one trauma and pediatrics. It was an ideal vacation and work setting as I had previously worked as a camp nurse with my children. I loved taking care of the children, and even escorted others to the hospital in town for emergencies That was how I met many people including some from the American embassy.

It was a beautiful setting and in time one of my coworkers and her mom joined me as well as my acupuncturist and his daughter for family vacations. I was excited as my daughter and grandchildren were scheduled to arrive for the vacation of their life in late July.

Unfortunately the idealistic vacation spot became a place of terror, and I hid out for 10 days in fear of my life until Club Med sent me home without a job, medical insurance, and no support of me or cooperation with the local police and or the American embassy.

In late June, upon returning to my room, a coworker and two partners had been waiting for me. I was drugged, dragged from my room and taken to a guest room where I was raped and sodomized. I was found the next morning dressed in scanty clothes that were not my own. I was frightened and the whole nightmare came back to me in small increments and flashbacks over the next few weeks.

The guard and front desk person who found me assisted me to privacy and clothing. My room was found open with everything as I had left it. Someone had access to my room. I reported the crime to my boss and the human resource person from Florida Club Med contacted me via phone & set up a therapist to call me. She told me to carry bug spray. The ER Dr apologized and sent me home with one prescription. I knew as a trauma nurse much more needed to be done. I was given a new room and continued to work. My room was announced by a front desk person so anyone could now have access. I ran into the rapist twice on the paths leading from the infirmary to my room. I wasn't sure of the identity of the other two and lived in fear.

I asked about reporting it to the police and all the support was withdrawn from me. I called the embassy and they sent a representative to meet me and escort me to the police. The interpreter thanked me as he knew of other cases of this rapist but the club med employees were to scared to report it as they were afraid they would lose their job. After that co workers told me of other incidences on site and at a local bar. The police talked of a serial rapist. I talked with my supervisor and asked why I was being treated this way and he said that I was so strong, emotionally and physically how could this have happened to me. I explained that I was drugged, and he stated that the last girl remembered what had happened to her. I began to wonder why the nurse I replaced had left so abruptly.

As I was leaving for the airport, I was told to sign papers written in Spanish in order to get my flight and money that was held. Upon my return to the US a former employee asked to see the papers as he know I had been forced to resign, and would be with out any support from this company. The US Embassy stayed in contact with me and Club Med. Club Med stated they had a suspect in December but then refused to divulge the information to them or the police.

I have worked with the Mexican Embassy here in the US, and have flown back to Ixtapa to make more statements. As far as I know the rapist are still at large. The one I identified was the head landscaper and had keys to all the rooms as he was part of the maintenance department. Knowing I was not the first I would like to let others know of the dangers. I am 5 foot tall and celebrated my 50th birthday after this event. Club Med hires many young naive talented persons and their parents also need to be aware along with vacationers of not only the possibility of danger but how unprotected the victim is afterward. The police interpreter was aware of other employees this had happened to as well as many of my co workers. I wish I had been warned and hope that this can help in preventing future victims.

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Name:  Josie

Hello, I am a French Canadian from Canada. I was in Mexico in 2007 and I had been there to study a master program.

I have been a victim of the crime and corruption. I was a master student who in the university was victim of scandalous practices. They told me upon my arrival that the master program had changed, that I could not graduate and I stayed thinking they would arrange the situation. After 5 months and completing at least a degree, when I complained to the Canadian embassy, THEY FAILED MY DEGREE AND MY COURSES....Even after giving me an official degree. I spend more then 20 000 dollars to study there and I had to go home...and had wasted 9 months of being mistreated and complete ignorance of my situation.

YES, Mexico is a wonderful and extremely beautiful place but hey...they are simply not ready to meet the standards of first world countries. Lies and complete ignorance is what you get if you get in trouble.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL....do not spend your money there until real measures are taken to have them respect the foreigners who really love Mexico but in complete innocence go there having no clue what horror they can get into.

It is sooo sad because some Mexicans are really wonderful and many of us really like Mexicans but they on the other hand...do not like us...but love our money.  Regards,

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Name:  Mary

While working as a nurse in Ixtapa Mexico at Club Med Ixtapa , I was drugged and raped. I was employed at a family resort and took care of many children including embassy workers.  When the company I was working for realized I went to the US Embassy and police they let me go. After this happening I was told of many other instances on this property and in town that this had occurred. Co workers , My supervisor, the interpreter at the police station thanked me as it had been going on and people were afraid to report this. The police thought there was a serial rapist. I identified 1 of the three & have been back to Mexico to work with the police, worked with both US& Mexican embassy here in Portland OR. The company I worked for is trying to evade any responsibility and many families continue to frequent this resort. It has never been published and I would like to warn others of the dangers awaiting them.

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Name:  Fran

My Son Sean went to Riviera Maya Mexico on July with his bride on their honeymoon. He died on July 19th 2008 while snorkeling of either a heart attack or drowning. We do not know for sure and are still waiting for a full autopsy report from Mexico. My son was only 38 years old and leaves not only his wife but 3 sons and 3 grandchildren. We are devastated. Our local news KMTV in Omaha Nebraska did a story on Sean.Sean had an Echo Cardiogram just a year and a half before this and they said his heart was fine but he did have high blood pressure
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Name:  Erin

I also lost a loved one to some strange incident in mexico my brother Sean Palma was on his honeymoon at Riviera de Maya and died while snorkeling. They say a heart attack was the reason, but I don't feel that is true he was only 38. My family wants answers and we don't seem to be getting any. It is so frustrating. I feel if he had not gone snorkeling that afternoon he would still be alive to be with all of us. We need people to be aware how easily things can happen.
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Name:  Ivonne

I just want to start off by saying... what you guys have managed to do for Nolan's legacy is amazing. I knew Nolan... went to school with him and I know that what you guys have done he would of respected and loved so much.

The reason for my e-mail is to report something that happened to a friend.

It happened this year around Spring Break. It was senior year... we were all getting ready to graduate. My friend from  told me in advance she was going to Cancun for Spring Break and I was already hesitant. Then she informed me she was staying at the Oasis Resort and I nearly lost it. I begged her not to go, pleaded with her and showed her this website and explained Nolan's story... how Nolan was taken so young.

She told me she would be careful. Nothing would happen to her or anyone she was going with because they would be at a resort. I reminded her just because you are in a resort, doesn't mean you are safe. She asked me to go along with her. I choose not to go with her because of everything that has happened and that I believe the conditions in Mexico for tourist can improve immensely.

The day before she left I reminded her about Nolan. Don't drink anything that has not been open by you yourself... be careful for the bartenders and etc. When she got back from Cancun she seemed different. I asked her how it was and I was glad she was okay. At that moment she broke down in tears. She relayed what had happened right in the resort three days into their stay.

She said they had an amazing time and just kicking back and relaxing and doing what regular kids did on spring break. On the third night, they met up with other students they knew who were also at Cancun but at a different resort. At the end of the night all the girls decided to go back to the resort except for one, who decided to stay with their friends and get dropped off later. Later on in the night, Michelle* was dropped off at the resort and was making her way up to the room. Michelle* told me she thought she was safe because she was at the hotel. Little did anyone know that you had to worry about the hotel workers.

She was raped making her way to her room by one of the hotel workers. No one heard her scream... no one came to her rescue. After this whole ordeal, she returned back to her room when one of the girls saw her and proceeded to ask her questions. It finally came out that she was raped on the resort grounds by an employee. They immediately informed the Resort authorities and instead of an investigation. She was questioned but nothing came out of it. They were moved to another hotel. No justice has been handed down to this man who violated her. I know you would much rather heard it from her. But she has suppressed it and refuses to even talk about it, like it never happened. I just want you to know that Oasis Resort is still letting things like this happen. 

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Name:  Rebecca

hello and first let me say how sorry I am for your loss, reading the story about your son makes me feel ever so glad that I am still alive to share my story.  my name is Rebecca and I am an almost 40 year old wife and mother.  may of 2007 I traveled to cancun with my niece on a trip she had won in a contest for renewing the lease on her apartment at college.  on our 3rd night there I was brutally raped, beaten and left for dead by a security guard.  but I lived and have spent the last year trying to search out other victims of violent crime in Mexico.  I am working on a website for victims of rape and / or violent crime while in Mexico and would like to speak with you more about this.  please email me and I will share more of my story with you for your sight and would love to share some of your stuff on mine.  the more people who hear about this the better, because the travel people are never going to warn you about what really goes on south of the border.  thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

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Name:  Darcy

I was in Mexico and I was in my hotel and drugged and raped not just by one person but 2. I am appalled at the way that the Mexican police and hotel that I stayed at treated me. Unbelievable that is all I can say I am appalled that we go there thinking it is a safe place when in fact it is not. Murder and people dieing when they don't have to because people are not trained in CPR just kills me! I am so sadden by the stories that I have read my heart goes out to you and your family. My biggest regret is that this trip was about my son. Him and I where supposed to reconnect. He has the memory of his mother being raped I am 41 this happened in March of 2007 in the hotel in which I stayed the RUI Caribe. Nice huh. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family and that I appreciate this web site good for you for letting people know about what can happen there it is truly a third world country!

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Name:  Justin

I went to Mexico, and stayed at the same resort. I can't even remember what year I went, because it was that bad. it wasn't even a vacation. I got treated poorly by everyone I encountered in that terrible country! From staff at the Oasis, to cab drivers, and everyone else. The day I got there is the day I wanted to leave. I came back 10 plbs lighter, looking terrible, and people where wondering what was wrong. What was wrong, is that is a horrible place to go. DO NOT GO THERE! you are putting your life at risk. To Nolan, Live In The Sky, everybody misses you. To the Websters, I am Deeply sorry for your loss. May time Heal!

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Name:  janet

Relative fell from 4 story bldg in Cancun Mexico about 2 weeks ago and need info on his condition, prognosis...Family needs $30,000 to get him out of there via medical transport and can't get any info..pls help..thanks

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Name:  Pierce

My wife and I left Baja after 8 years of running both a bar and grill and a real estate and development business in Mulege north of Loreto , BCS. While we had gotten used to the bribes required of all levels of government,We will ill prepared for the attempt at jailing us because of a conflict with another realtor in Mulege( a mexican national). We got out just in time as phoney charges and BS just about had me spending 2 years in jail awaiting charges which would never come to fruition. I was informed by a cop I knew  that I would was to be killed in jail awaiting trial . We are back in the USA and have left all land and property which has had every level of government employee trying to gain ownership by any means possible.

Please do not retire in Mexico,visit Mexico, or invest in Mexico. The vast majority of people there think that all americans are to be fleeced and that any land they sell will come back to them someday. We will never return and are willing  to give up what is ours just to be safe.

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Name:  Darlene

My name is Darlene and I just lost my soul and heart in Mexico.

My husband Ron fell off a two story balgony. I would like to tell my story but not sure how to submit it to you.
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Name:  Vickie

My dad passed away april 26, 2008. He was with my step mom and their best friends vacationing in cancun. They had arrived the day before.

He fell from a second story balcony that was only 36 inches tall. My 3 year old niece who will never see her papa again is 36 in tall. Apparently that is standard in Mexico. There is nothing we can do about it. After the accident my step mom and the couple that went with them were not able to get a flight until the following week. They were treated like royalty the entire time they were there. I was very suprised to hear how good everyone was to them! While they were there one of the employees came to their room to check on them and told them that his toddler son had died not long ago from falling off the balcony. A toddler, is that not a big enough sign that maybe the rails need to be higher?! This tragedy could have easily been prevented!

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Name:  Ken
I was arrested in Cancun Mexico at 11AM in the Cartier Store for not paying a bribe. I had purchased about 4k at the store and a 'guarda' demanded 200$, I said no. I was detained and thrown into a truck by the Policia Qintana Roo to the horror of the Cartier Store staff, one of whom called the Canadian Embassy. I was beaten with various metal object for 6 hours while never having been told anything. I was then told '1800 por preedom' i gave them all I had, 1600USD and they let me go. They later followed me back to my hotel(Hyatt Caribe Cancun) and tried to get more money - or worse. I did receive some help from the Canadian Consulate and from the Cartier Store. I need facial reconstructive surgery to repair damage from being struck by a gun. You think the Mexican justice system is 'just'? I thank G-d I escaped alive. Do NOT go to Mexico, just dont.
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Name:  Paul
10 years ago i was mugged, drugged, and held hostage for 5 hours in a cab while on business in Mexico City.  That country is a dump.
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Name:  alex

as a former longtime resident of san diego californa i have visited baja and mainland mexico on hundreds of times. i have many good mexican friends who live in tijuana and other parts of the country. years ago,when i first met my mexican friends and started visiting the country on a regular basis i mentioned that one of my american friends and i had come to tijuana just the two of us to drink and have fun. they became visibly upset and told us that we had no idea of the danger we had exposed ourselves to. we could very easily have been beaten robbed kidnapped or killed. we were shocked it seemed safe to us. i thought they were overly concerned. on subequent trips without my local friends as guides, i fell asleep on a resort beach and was awoken by men who beat and robbed me, leaving me pouring blood from my head, they even took my shoes.once, i was sitting in a bar and had the police walk in demanding to seach me, they "found" a large bag of powder drugs in my pocket(i dont use drugs)enough to keep me in a mexican jail for decades, they demanded a bribe, being nice enough to drive me to the atm when my meager pocket money didnt satisfy.mostly they don’t even bother to plant anything they just take your money from your wallet after search. my mexican friends  tell me that the extortion/bribe from the police is $20 usd from a local mexican and $60-$100 usd for a tourist or american. i love the country and have had some great times there, but it is EXTREMLY DANGEROUS. i would tell people that if the local people don’t feel safe in their own city then you are definitly very much at risk. it is not a place for a relaxing vacation.if you must go dress in beat up work clothes and dont carry much cash make sure small bills.never be alone at any time.dont get drunk and be aware of everything surrounding you always and trust no one.

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Name:  Chris

ive been to cancun twice and i saw the exact same thing happen. me and my friends were walking the beach after leaving the clubs and saw a group of people standing around someone on the ground. story was, a kid was in the ocean and went under. a us marine that was there vacationing, pulled the kid out of the water and starting giving him cpr. while he was doing that the federales showed up and put their guns to the marine and told him to stop giving cpr and let the kid die. i couldnt sleep all week after seeing that. the way that country is run is terrifying. down there if you have health insurance, you wear a bracelett that shows it, if you dont have that bracelett on, they just assume watch you die. we all made sure those braceletts never came off when we were there. i will never go to mexico again. 

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Name:  Deborah

I went on an "educational tour" to Mexico in July, 2001.  There were maybe 20 young teenagers and 7 or 8 adults.  We traveled from Mexico City to Cancun in ten days.  A lot of it was shady and uncomfortable, but we stayed with the group and were relatively safe.

We all moaned and groaned when we were told that our flight left at something like 5:30AM out of Cancun - We all had to be up and dressed by 4 AM. Fortunately for us, we made it. The day after we returned I read a very small newspaper article that later that same day, two people had died on the very runway we took off from - their plane had malfunctioined, and the passengers were not allowed to leave the plane.  Two people died of heat stroke in the plane on the tarmac. I will never go back to Mexico.

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Name:  Flo

Have you thought about encouraging Primetime, 20/20, or one of those type shows to consider doing an investigative piece on this issue in order to raise awareness.  I have traveled to Mexico and other vacation resorts in other countries on many occasions and you're absolutely correct the way things are handled are not at all what we are accustomed to in the U.S. 

Years ago while on vacation in Hualtulco, Mexico there was a fire in the hotel in which we were staying.  We all stood outside anxiously awaiting the arrival of the fire department and were shocked to see that their fire department amounted to a mini van with a few guys inside with what amounted to water backpacks (like "super soaker toys") on their backs.  There were no firetrucks, large equiptment, fire hoses,etc. like we have here. I'm sure there are countless stories and the American people should be more aware and educated about such risks when considering travel to Mexico and other areas.

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Name:  Joanne

My heart goes out to you and your family.  I just returned from the Grand Oasis Hotel in Cancun, told my coworker of my ordeal and she told me about Nolan.  I have just left horrible reviews on several websites about the hotel. My friend was very sick and they left her laying on the cold lobby floor for over an hour - no one would help her at all.

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Name:  joe

i too use to travel to cancun for fun as a young man in the early 1990's. it has always been a lawless and unsafe place for anyone who has some bad luck and bad timing. they will not lift a finger to help. i have witnessed dead bodies being carried away on stretcher during drinking parties and the body lay in wait for hours and hours with a napkin over the face until the party eneded. The oasis is well known and popular with young teenagers. it is a risk , a very big risk.

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Name:  Joren

People need to be more aware that the police extort visitors (and locals). In Cancun in 1995 I was walking home from a bar with a Mexican friend and the police pulled us over, frisked us, and told us to get in the car. They then drove around the more rural areas of Cancun and accused us of being gay and demanded hundreds of dollars. If we complied there would be no problem. They could have shot us and left us for dead and no one would have known. I eventually gave them most of the cash I had ($40 US) and they let us go. I will NEVER go back to Mexico and in the years since, realize just how lucky I was.

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Name:  Kim

Hi, I just wanted to say that I was there at the Oasis Hotel in Cancun when Nolan's tragic death happened. What happened haunted me for weeks and I think it could have been avoided, after reading his parents' story. I was walking nearby the pool right after the incident but didn't really see anything except for all the people surrounding him at the time. my boyfriend went over to see if they needed help and when he came back he just told me to keep walking without looking. They didn't seem like they needed help I guess and he said the guy looked really bad. Anyway, we walked by that pool again a few hours later and yes the body was still there. And it was laid down on a plastic beach chair with a white sheet over it, not even covering the whole body. I panicked. I don't get why they would leave him there for all to see. That was HIGHLY disrespectuf to him, his girlfriend and family but also to the other hotel guests. The hotel didn't even bother closing down the pool out of safety and respect the day after. I simply want to send all my sympathy and empathy also to his family.

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Name:  Sandi

Wish I had a website like this in 2005/2006.  Perhaps you should have everyone post their stories. This is an email that I sent to ALL my friends alerting them about our mishap in Cancun 2005/2006.

We just got back from Cancun and yes the hotel, Riu Palace Las Americas, was beautiful (we would definitely recommend this hotel and would stay at another RIU hotel elsewhere).  The weather was fabulous BUT the only thing that was lousy were the corrupt cops. Anthony, was leaving a nightclub one night and was hailing a cab (right outside the club). Instead a police cruiser pulled over and ordered him into the cruiser.  They went through his pockets and robbed him of his money.  They only got $20.00 (but this really shook all of us up.)  They asked him where he was staying and dropped him off a block away.  I thought that this kind of thing only happened in the movies, i.e. Traffic.  We were all shocked.  Thank god he’s okay.  I kept thinking, what if Cassie was with him, what would they do then?  She was really tired and declined to go out that night.  It seems that they can do whatever they want to whomever.   After talking to other vacationers in Cancun and doing a lot of research on the net, police corruption is an everyday occurrence and it's a wide scale problem along the "Mexican Riviera " especially if you rent a car.  The police will pull you over and demand you pay a so-called fine or put you in jail. I wish I had known this a head of time before making my decision to vacation there.  I’m just getting the word out to my friends and family so that you can make an educated decision as to whether or not you want to vacation there in the future.

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Name:  Sybil

We too had a similiar situation when my husband has hit in the chest by a Wave Runner at Club Cascadas in Carbo San Lucas, Mexico.  The restort did nothing and my husband almost died on the beach.  He had fractured a number of ribs and was in shock.  A medical student on the beach was the only help we got.  After 30 minutes and no help arriving, I ran up to the resort office screaming at them in an attempt to find out why help had not arrived.  Finally a ex-police chief told me of a good doctor to call.  The doctor drove to the resort, loaded my husband in his Volkswagon bug and drove him to his office.  That was a wakeup call for us.  I can't believe there are actually people from the U.S. that want to retire in Mexico.

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Name:  Susan

I felt it was my obligation to contact you after I saw Nolan's story last night on Fox 25 News Boston. I stayed at that very hotel a few years back and believe I had a close call with potential tragedy. I was injured at their facility but luckily was not in a life threatening situation. I suffered a sprained ankle after falling off a step in one of the bars that was not properly marked like the other areas in the hotel with simailar construction.  My travel friend was the only helpful person there. She demanded they find me crutches, an ace bandage and get me to an elevator because I could not walk and we were on the second floor. They told us they didn't have one and promptly put me in a wheelchair and carried me IN the wheelchair UP to my room. It was the most ridiculous thing I had ever seen. My friend and I took pictures of the step where I fell and the other identical steps that were marked with bright paint.  No one ever checked on us and when she asked about a Doctor, they said it was 100.00 just to see an American Doctor. I felt the need to share my story with someone. I am not sure if this is the right place to do so but I felt the need to share this story.

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Name:  Cathy  

My girlfriend and I went to Cancun for her 50th birthday last year.  We stayed at the Royal Islander, which was right next to the Oasis.  We sat at the pool bar on Tuesday, and ordered a drink, neither my  girlfriend nor I remember getting out of the pool or how we got to our room.  (This was after having one drink, and we're 50, not in our 20's). I woke up several hours later in my room.  Thank the good Lord. My hands were tingling and I vomited all night, I was unable to function until 2 in the afternoon and went down to report it to the manager, which he said happens all the time. But to this day I don't know what happened or if we were drugged. But I thank God that we are here to talk about it.
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Name:  Nicole

I saw Nolan's mother and girlfriend on Fox 25 this morning

and it was heartbreaking... I myself went to Cancun in April of 01' and had an awful time.  I was horribly sick and a doctor came after 4 hours and told me that I was fine when in reality I had a severe case of strep and also could not talk fo 31/2 weeks! Plus he charged me $200 USD to be there. Also our hotel rooms were robbed of everything.  To top it all off one of my classmates that was there with us got dragged into a back room at a club and was repeatedly raped and beaten.  I was terrifed and so were my parents. We were going to sue the hotel and instead they gave us a few free nights hotel stay. My parents were scared for my life down there. I think that cases like this should be shown to kids in school and also to their parents about what can really happen down there. My prayers go out to all of the victim's families on this site.

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Name:  chris

On March 3, 2007 my mother was on vacation with my dad.  My mom was a 12 year cancer survivor who was very thin and frail, not leading the best quality of life, but she loved to live.  She took the vacation through apple, and stayed right outside cancun.  On march 5, i received a phone call from my dad that i needed to wire 2 thousand dollars to him immediately.  my mom was experiencing chest pain and they refused to treat without money.  i did this, and they still asked for more money once they realized more testing was needed.  I was told she had pneumonia and would be fine.  i woke up the morning of march 6 to a phone call instructing me to come home from school right away.  I knew she was dead.  because the asked for money at every turn, they failed to realize she had a PE and it killed her early on the morning of March 6th.  I will never leave this country.  apple vacations was helpful, but nobody else was.  ambulances, forget it, they wanted money too.  I'm sorry about your son, and i know it's a senseless death.  it hurts that legally, we have no options.thanks for making this a prominent issue

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Name:  Cathy

My girlfriend and I went to Cancun for her 50th birthday last year.  We stayed at the Royal Islander, which was right next to the Oasis. We sat at the pool bar on Tuesday, and ordered a drink, neither my girlfriend nor I remember getting out of the pool or how we got to our room. (This was after having one drink, and we're 50, not in our 20's). I woke up several hours later in my room.  Thank the good Lord. My hands were tingling and I vomited all night, I was unable to function until 2 in the afternoon and went down to report it to the manager, which he said happens all the time. But to this day I don't know what happened or if we were drugged. But I thank God that we are here to talk about it.

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Name:  Joan

My younger brother; in 1987 was also found dead in a fountain at his hotel in Cancun, Mexico.  He was 26 years old. My heart goes out to all of these people and memories of flood my heart and mind when I think of that year and the 4 years that I investigated his death that followed.

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Name:  Jim
About 15 years ago, my girlfriend and I went to Cancun for a vacation. She got food poisoning from eating seafood. She was very, very sick. It took the hotel staff several hours to locate a doctor and at that she was only a nurse. The nurse(doctor) was several hotels away. By the time my girlfriend got treated, 8 hours had lapsed. We spent the remaining 4 days of our 7 day vacation in the hotel room. For an area that probably depends on tourism for income, they don't seem to care very much for the tourists.  I'll NEVER go to Mexico again.

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Name:  alyssa
I saw your story on the news this evening and it sounded so familiar.  In spring 1992 a group of us went to Cancun on spring break and stayed at the Hyatt Hotel.  One afternoon a young man who we all befriended while there, jumped off the edge of the pool and hit his head.  It was a couple of minutes before anyone realized what had happened, but as soon as we saw him floating, everyone started screaming.  Nobody from the hotel did a thing.  The bartender in the pool bar continued to serve drinks.  We had to run to get some help.  Some kids pulled him out of the pool and he was so swollen and blue. One of the girls that was a lifeguard back home started CPR on him, but still no one from the hotel even came over until a good 15 minutes had past.  Mind you we were all 17 and 18 at the time.  It wasnt until 45 minutes passed when an "ambulance" arrived.  They did not have a stretcher so they actually picked him up onto a lounge chair and used belts to strap him down.  So me friends of his went to the hospital with him and the next day told us the disgusting place it was.  They stated there was an actual drain in the room he was in, like a drain you would see in the shower.  The doctors told the friends he had a concussion, but he would be ok.  From what I remember, they flew him to Texas 2 days later and he died within a day. He had severe brain damage and brain swelling that was caused by not so much the accident itself, but the inaction.  It was a horrifying scene to see and has stayed with me all these years.  Your story is heartbreaking and my thoughts go out to your family.  My group was from Melrose, MA if I remember correctly the boy was from Milton, MA.  I dont remember his name, but the story just sounded so familiar.  Continue your work in memory of your son, there is no reason for people to vacation in Mexico, it is a different world and not one where safety is a priority.  Your family is in my thougts.

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Name:  AP
Please let your readers know that not only can you not trust mexican authorities you can not trust american hotel personnel.  my son was in Acapulco over spring break when a fire broke out in his hotel.

Thankfully for us he had not arrived yet, but when I called the best western , mexico connection office, I was told that all students had been relocated to other hotels.  I found out later when my son returned that no had been relocated, cots were set up everywhere for displaced students, my son was able to get into his room because he was fortunate enough to have booked his trip through an agent who does lots of business in mexico.  however when he entered his room the door was off the hinges and not able to be locked.

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Name:  Renee

Hi, This is a very interesting site. I've been going to the Puerto Vallarta area for about 20 years now, and bought an apartment in Bucerias in 2001. Anyways, about 10 years ago, I went to PV for a week and was walking on the beach one day. Even though it was in the summer, there were a fair number of people on the beach and in the beach restaurants. All of a sudden a man was walking next to me, matching my steps. (I grew up in sort of an inner-city area of Chicago, so this was a big red flag.) All of a sudden, he pivoted around so that he was facing me and walking backwards. He said "I know you!" and I said "I don't think so." Then he told me that he was my taxi driver from the airport to my hotel. I told him that I remembered my driver and that it wasn't him and I told him to get lost. All I could think of was that he was going to offer me a private tour of the city which would include a trip to his house where a bunch of his friends would be waiting. 

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Name:  anne

my friend is frantic & i'm writing on her behalf..her son called her on 3/14th from acapulco, said he was beaten badly, asked her to cancell cr cards etc...meanwhile she never heard back from him, which is extremely weird, in addition her mother died and she's holding off on the funeral..do you have any information that would be helpful to her.jails in acapolco, investigators..etc..that i could give to her or her daughter.  thank you for your website and many blessings to you....anne 

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Name:  Melody

Our son, Lovell Keith Adams Jr, better know as "JR"  was killed on March 18, 2005 at the age of 17 while vacationing in a resort area between Cancun Mexico and Playa Del Carmen.  He was struck and killed instantly by a speeding car with no car lights on while trying to cross a dark busy highway with family and friends.  The coward who brutally killed JR got out of his car and ran!  Supposedly, he turned himself in the next day and was released SCOTT FREE with not even a slap on the wrist.  What he did receive was a pat on the back by the Playa Del Carmen Police Dept. [for being such an upstanding citizen?] and in their official statement the police declared that he had done nothing wrong!  Commander Perez actually had the audacity to commend the person that murdered JR saying this sort of killing happens often and usually the killer doesn't turn themselves in.  In the conclusion of his report, Commander Perez declared that JR was the cause of his own death.  We found out very quickly that Hit and Run incidents are not illegal in Mexico.  According to the Mexican government, it is simply OK to kill people, even unsuspecting tourists as they cross a street [or sun bath on a beach).  Never mind that speeding cars shouldn't be on a beach in the first place...to the Mexican government, that's OK!

The bribery and corruption there is OUT OF CONTROL!  We are asking anyone who is planning on going to Mexico for vacation or for any reason to please do your research before going or contact JR's parents to get first hand information on the nightmare we went through just trying to get our precious son's body home.

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