Older Stories

December 15. 2016
Name:  Susanne
Just returned from my vacation to Cancun where I found myself in a gunshot at Cancuns party zone.  Found your website and I think it might be interesting for you. Here's the only news I found on the internet. http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2016/11/cancun-hotel-zone-rocked-with-fatal-gunfire/  I was inside Mandala Night Club as the gunshot happend. Luckily I could hide there with other guests. After the shots there were many policemen and military, but nobody came in to ask if we were okay. Informed the travel agency the next day, but get no further information what had happend. Like "Don't ask, don't tell".
Greetings from Germany,
Susanne
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August 15, 2016
Name: cris 
My name is Cris and my family and I stood at iberoster punta mita August of this year 2016. I was extremely sadden when an asian man in his 50's suddenly drowned and hotel staff denied it. It's quite disturbing that hotels do not mention how serious the waves can become. They do not always change their flag colors, and even if they do, new vacationers are not aware of this. I believe lifeguards should use binoculars and have a working defibrillator to prevent horrific accidents like this one. The man was dead for some time since his skin color was purple. I wanted to reach out to the family but the hotel refused to give me info.
One other piece of information i wish to share is that my sons phone was stolen along with his friends. Cash and clothes were too, while seated near the beach late at night.
I brought it up to management and boy did they lie. They lied about there not being cameras and blaming it on vacationers. I am so disappointed and disgusted. I am mexican american and i treat every employee well,I also tip well and i believe this is part of the reason they didn't mess with us after i told them that i believed security and management were a part of the theft. After reading your stories and going through my own experience i definitely will not be returning to Puerto Vallerta. I really saw the difference how people from Huatulco, Oaxaca are more humbled than at Punta Mita. There are many great people from all over mexico, yet some do resent Gringos, so becareful and go with large groups and if possible with spanish speaking people. I pray for everyone's safety and apologize for the wrong doing and pain that the evil mexican criminals have caused. God Bless us!
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June 6, 2016 
Name:  NeverReturning
At least 3 people were hit by a massive wave on the beach at Pueblo Bonito Resort Sunset Beach yesterday afternoon 6/15/2016.
All died. One was pulled from the water and was unable to be resuscitated. No lifeguards, security, or emergency assistance came.
Two bodies were left in the water because it was too dangerous and rough to rescue them. The resort went about business as usual immediately afterward here has been no mention of the situation in local or international news.. If a vacation package is so cheap it sounds too good to be true, consider that it just might cost you your life.
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May 19, 2016
Name:  Mark
Hello, I just stumbled across your page while looking for any updates to a drowning that occurred while my wife and I were in Cancun on, I believe May 12th.
https://news.google.ca/news/more?ncl=dYJUnIrHl3Dgq6M3nBtd9ie5HaPbM&authuser=0&ned=ca
The story is quite different than what the news is reporting. Myself and another tourist did 99% of the CPR. The lifeguards didn't contribute much after we got him out of the water and as many other stories go down there, the paramedics took a half hour to arrive. We performed CPR the entire 30 minutes, but the paramedics did almost none after they got there. The whole story is ugly and, I feel like an ass for saying this after being unable to save him right in front of his wife, but it ruined our vacation and our favorite vacation spot. I can fill you in on the rest if you want. Thank you, Mark
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April 13, 2016
Name:  Deb 

I am a 60 year old single woman who has worked and traveled inside and outside the US for years. In 2014 myself and my daughter all went to Cancun over Xmas. We always stay at 4 or 5 star resorts wherever we go. My daughter and myself both came down with something so much more violent than food poisoning. I have experienced food poisoning and this was not food poisoning. I recovered faster than she did and the day we were to fly home I could walk. She was in a wheelchair. I prayed they would let us on the return flight to Houston. My daughter had begged me to stay one more night in Cancun. She could not fathom getting on a plane or let alone getting out of the bathtub where she was laying. Something told me to get her up and carry her to the wheelchair and get her back to the states. She cried and cried. Thru the grace of God I managed to get her to the airport.  The United flight attendant took one look at her in the wheelchair and started to refuse us boarding. Bu  t my eyes met hers and I said please let us on. She did. She knew as well as I knew. We made it to Houston and friends drove us home as I was unable to. Two years have passed and as all things in life memories fade. I booked a solo trip to Cancun and tomorrow was my fly day. Was being the correct term. Somehow while surfing the net to look at day trips from Cancun I came across your article. Every thought and every fear we went thru on our last trip to Cancun came back.  I had a nagging gut feeling about this trip for a couple of weeks. You know that little voice telling you no don't do this. That pit of your stomach feeling that something is wrong. Now I see our last trip very clearly. I see a beautiful 17 year old granddaughter with her beautiful young mom and I see myself. I see three women at a beautiful resort with no flashy jewelry but staying in an expensive suite. A trained watching person with access to hotel information could have picked us out like fish in a barrel. Everything from our  purses to how we carried ourselves. The plan did not work. I found the strength to get us out of that country and I wanted to say thank you for your article. Reading the other people experiences was like a light going off in my mind. I cancelled my trip and I won't ever go back. God bless you.
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October 4, 2015
Name:  VERONICA 
We arrived to a nice hotel and room was great and comfortable for our family of six,2 adults 4 children. September 26- Oct 3. On our last day Friday Oct 2nd my husband and 3 of my teenage boys decided to take them to the disco area where they had some food and my husband had a few drinks. upon paying their bill total of $ 27.00 dollars. The waiter wanted an " extra" tip and my husband gave him a few more dollars. Big mistake in opening his wallet, it was then that my husband and children were forced into an adjacent alley next to one of the open clubs they said it was security that forced them to the alley where my husband was told he needed to withdraw all his money or our kids were going to get killed it was then that POLICE officers got involved, BUT NOT TO HELP BUT TO ROB my husband, they removed 700.00 cash from his pocket took all 3 of my sons Gshock watches and hats. After the officers and security took my husband to the ATM the machine would not give him money since we give our banks a heads up of our planned trip and will not allow large sums of money to be withdrawn for security purposes. It was then that my children and husband endured a brutal beating because of the inability to give them money. At this point the police would show my husband my son getting strangled and bloody till unconscious as people watched. it was then that 2 of my sons ran, one was kidnapped by a security and taken down the street and beat in a cab. He luckily escaped and ran to the RIU PALACE where he asked for help and that hotel told him to leave and get off the property. My younger 15 year old son got on a bus and went back to the Royal Caribbean where we were staying. He asked for help and they ignored his pleas for help that his brothers and father were hurt and beat by police. It was then that somehow my husband and other son that was brutally beat ended up in a taxi back to the hotel. My Kidnapped son was found running down kukulcan blvd when a  taxi stopped and asked him if he needed a ride he said yes and that his mom will pay for the taxi. Now this is where besides being extremely distraught and hurt over seeing my sons and hubby a bloody mess. The people especially JULIO that works in the hotel lobby called me to my room that my boys and hubby has 2 taxis outside waiting for payment, they charged me 50 dollars, he didn't mention that the boys and hubby were critically injured and bleeding profusely instead he wanted the taxis to get paid. When i entered the lobby to pay he NEVER OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE OR FIRST AID OF ANY KIND, HE DIDN'T ASK IF THEY WERE OK. MY GOD THIS GUY DIDN'T CARE ONE BIT OF INJURED HUMAN BEINGS!!! IM an ICU nurse and i rendered aid to my family whatever I can do of course I was very worried of a traumatic brain injury and wanted to take them to the hospital and they were scared to go. The next day i told the Hotel manager MR. CHI about he incident he said he would "talk to JULIO" I got a feeling he was never spoken to cause the next day it was business as usual for him. I asked him for towels because they were bloody and nobody brought them. The only thing he offered was to accompany me in my rental car to the embassy to report the incident. That was it a "IM SORRY" STAY AWAY IF YOU GET INJURED THERE WILL BE NOBODY TO HELP, YOU WILL BE STUCK IN CANCUN IF YOU USE AN EMERGENCY ROOM UNTIL YOU PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR TREATMENT. THANK GOD WERE HOME. We got on the plane the next day after reporting the incident. The doctor that did a visual inspection of the injuries was so scared he begged us not to tell on him that he documented the visual injuries out of fear of being killed by the police. We went to Kaiser straight off the place directly to the ER where everybody had a concussion, broken ribs and my husband a broken spine. IM not a new Mexico traveler we go often to Cancun, just never expected anything to happen like this and Yet have the ROYAL CARIBBEAN IGNORE OUR PLEAS FOR HELP STAY AWAY. In the meantime I will be caring for my family making sure for a quick recovery and will for sure return for prosecution on these savages.
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August 18, 2015
Name:  Melisa
I was recently a guest at the Hard Rock Riveria Maya Resort. On the morning of August 16 one of the hotel employees entered my room and started rubbing my feet while I was asleep. I kicked and yelled for him to get out. He said that the door to the room had been open.  I went to the front desk to report the incident where I was told by the manager of the hotel that I was mistaken and that it could have been any one in my room. They provided security at the door of my room where I immediately packed my things and asked to leave the resort.
The hotel employee later approached me and said he could explain. He said he was there for my luggage and he didn’t want any issues. Another manager of the hotel showed up later and said that the hotel employee accessed my room with a key card at 5:27am. My ride to the airport was at 11am. I never requested help with my luggage. If I was going to request help with my luggage, it would have been much closer to the departure time.
They way this was handled was so upsetting. A hotel employee should never ever enter a guests room. I am sickened by the way I was treated by the management staff. It is disgusting that this was swept under the rug, how it was made to be ok that an employee entered my room and was rubbing my feet in the middle of the night. From your biography, I see you have a family and would in no way want to jeopardize their safety at one of your resorts. I realize how important your online reviews are to your business. I feel this is important for you to know how the employee behaved and how I was treated on your property.
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June 10, 2015
Name:  Russ
My spouse and daughter are in Mexico at the Iberostar Paraiso Maya celebrating our daughter's high school graduation. Last night my wife was drugged at the pool bar. She blacked out, became violently ill. She was talking to a man "from South America" who claimed to be there with his wife and family. His wife even showed up briefly at one point. When I checked your website I read the story posted January 31 from a couple who stayed at this same resort. The story is hauntingly familiar. It is important to note that this happens all too often. We would strongly urge anyone to avoid traveling to Mexico even to the resorts which are suppose to be safe if you sty within the resort. That is simple not true. This is not a safe place travel and this resort in particular must be avoided
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April 19, 2015
Name:  Cheryl
My girlfriend and I were drugged and assaulted in jan 2015 at riu tequila after a day in playa del carmen . Working with hotel on investigation  but they are hiding videotapes. This man from Texas should be  investigated and arrested. If we had photos/videotapes from hotel, other women would be warned!!
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January 31, 2015
Name:  Anonymous 
My husband and I stayed at Iberostar Paraiso Maya from 1-26-15 until 1-30-15. We are over cautious people, we travel safe. I have never worn jewelry, we don't carry cash when we travel, we don't over drink or cause a scene. How could this have happened to us?

I will describe ourselves we have been married 13 plus years, we travel to Mexico every year to celebrate our wedding anniversary, we have five children, we are from the Mid West, I am in my 30's and my husband in his 40's, we are no stranger to alcohol not saying we are lushes, but we do go out for cocktails or even "downtown" every now and then, even celebrating many milestones in Las Vegas. We have drinks all summer long in the hot sun boating on the weekends, we do not use any type of illegal drugs, we are college educated, upper middle class, and we only stay at 5 star resorts.

I wanted you to know a little about us prior to me telling you what happened to us, I want you to know we are not the spring break crowd that goes to Mexico or the couple that never drinks and the sun gets to them. We are just like many of you, normal everyday United states citizens who choose to vacation in Mexico due to convenience and price. We booked this trip two weeks prior to taking it, we are busy with kids, work and life and we did not want our annual anniversary trip to pass by never taken. So we scheduled it in between weekends of children's sporting events. We always book thru Apple Vacations (Amstar) and we have always used a travel agent.

The trip started out like any trip, we arrived at the hotel, went to lunch, the beach, had a Bahama Mamba or two, went to our room dressed up and went to dinner. After dinner we went shopping in the shopping center at the resort, had a coffee and a crepe, purchased "shark tooth" necklaces for our sons and "Sea Shell" necklaces for our daughters, and finally after a long day of traveling went to bed around 8 pm. The next morning we woke up early, took a walk on the beach, ate breakfast, changed into our swimsuits and laid out towels to "save our chairs" on the beach and by the pool. We went back and forth between 8-10 am between the pool and beach, see I love the beach and watching the ocean but my husband loves the pool.

After much back and forth he gave me my way, even after noticing the peddlers on the beach, but I of course insisted it was safe we were at the resort beach, there were people and kids everywhere. From 10am to 1 pm we laid watching the ocean, the beach bar opened at ten, my husband had three tap beers ordered directly from the beach bar, I had two Mohito's again ordered at the beach bar. At about 1 pm a couple from the resort made small talk with us, they mentioned they had four daughters and were from Oregon, she had just turned the big 50. She was a hairdresser and he worked for the electric company. We chatted with this couple, for about thirty minutes and had another drink, again from the beach bar. I remember standing there talking, thinking "I needed to use the restroom", and looking up at the sky and seeing big spots of black. In my lifetime, I have never went unconscious, I have never blacked out, but somehow I knew at this moment this was happening to me. I remember excusing myself to the people I was speaking to and walking over to my husband and telling him something was wrong and we needed to go. And then just like that Nothing, it went black......

I recall my body on a cold tile floor viciously vomiting, in and out of what has to be consciousness, I remember the bottom of the shower and the water hitting my head. I remember thinking I must be dying, and feeling as if I could not get out of whatever state of mind I was in, I had never known this and I was scared. I felt a fear I have never known, but then that feeling would go away to nothing and then fear again and more vomiting. It was like the nightmare you have and you keep waiting to wake up from, I remember thinking how could I let this happen to me , where am I. And then just like that I woke up as quickly and abruptly as I had went out, my husband had jumped up from the bed screaming...... "oh my god"..... "what happened to us"....... "my hand is broke"....... "we had to of been drugged"....... "we lost time"...... "where is our stuff"........ "get up we have to get up" it was 6:30 we lost five hours of time.
Groggy I tried to get up but could not I was able to move to the couch and sobbed, I felt as if I had just been terrorized but did not know how and by who. My husband ran down to the beach to find our stuff and look for the couple we had been talking with earlier. Our stuff was there, but he recognized no one we had seen hours earlier.

We spent the night comparing what we remembered, we both loose memory at the same point, the moment where I knew I was going to black out. We have no memory of how we got to our room, who was with us, why we lost consciousness. We relived the days events trying to figure out at what point we went wrong or by who we were targeted. I had remember my husband mentioning the peddlers several times that day concerned that they kept starring at us, I also recall the couple who made small talk with us happened to be drinking the same things we were, the bartenders never seemed quite happy, and not once since the moment we arrived did I see anyone from security, in fact it seemed odd that anyone could walk from the beach up to the hotel, now looking back anything could seem out of place.

My husband went to the concierge and told her what happened and that we had to of been drugged she insisted she has never heard of that before, but she would send in housekeeping. He showed her his hand, it was clearly broken, she explained that we could go to the medical center but we would have to bring cash. We searched all of our belongings everything was in tact, any valuables had been locked in our safe, however there was one thing missing that we never found and that was our room key. I will never forget the sounds of the housekeeper cleaning up the vomit in our room, I laid covered up but so cold on the couch crying, not wanting her to see me, ashamed of whatever just happened. We were guilt stricken, I knew we came close to something evil, we were grateful to be alive, but filled with fear not knowing who did this to us.

We stayed in the room all night and slept, the next day we were like zombies completely numb, my husbands right hand was unusable. We called out travel agent who contacted Apple (Amstar) so we could report what happened. Amstar's response was to bring cash and go to the medical center for his hand and would never acknowledge the accusations of being drugged. We anxiously awaited for the moment we would board our plane and hit US soil to have that feeling of safety in our own country, we felt unsafe and as if we were a liability for this resort. We returned home and my husband went to the hospital his hand is broke, the doctor said the only way to cause a break like his was to have hit someone or something very hard making a fist.

I write this not to scare you but as a warning, this just happened to us days ago, it was horrific and hard to mentally process, this should not happen to anyone. We did not feel safe calling the Mexico Police and the hotel and Apple (Amstar) ignored any accusations of being drugged. The scary part is when something happens to you in another country you are not safe, there was no one to tell and no one would listen. We took precautions, to ensure our safety and we assumed that the five star resort we stayed with had all guests safety as a top priority. I assumed that traveling with a company like Apple (Amstar) we were safe but sadly we were not.
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January 31, 2015
Name:  Becky
Hello a friend i travelled with told me about this site after we had issues at our resort. I can honestly say I wouldn't have gone if knew of these stories! My husband and his friend and fellow traveler both received some sort of poisoning at the resort's restaurant while dining together with our group. At first we attributed it to food poising but in hind sight it was way worse than it should have been. In fact we have been home now for a week and both men are still suffering from stomach issues. Their symptoms (happened within 15 min of each other) was projectile vomiting, severe stomach cramping w non stop 24 hr diarrhea, high fever w chills. As a RN with 20 yrs ED experience i have never witnessed anything quite like it for simple food poisoning or travelers diarrhea and was very concerned. When we reported it to hotel they acted concerned and called a clinic that told us we needed to take them to hospital. I refused and essentially took it upon myself to constantly monitor them and treat with over counter aid. thankfully they were grown, healthy men and they recovered. It scares the hell out of me to think what would happen if a small child or elderly person had contradicted this. Looking for answers as what type of pathogen this could be? Nothing I have looked up has a diagnosis that fits this?? This was a 5 start 6 apple resort! Also afterwards we remembered that my husbands friend argued a little with waiter over the table. It was set for 8 and we had reservation for 10. Only mentioning this because of the other stories... Please help if you have any information.
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January 2, 2015
Name:  Mark
I figure I better post this in case I disappear or it costs me a lot of money before I leave Cancun, Mexico. I booked a studio apartment in Cancun through Airbnb for November 4 for $440 cdn plus $100 booking fee. As planned the caretaker picked me up at the airport for 350 pesos and took me to the apartment. Everything just went downhill from there. The first two weeks were a nightmare. There was a lot not mentioned in the ad and a few things left out. I thought I was getting mosquito bites in the studio apartment after the first week. Turns out after examining the bed it was full of bed bug evidence(s). I think I even saw one jump off of the sheets. My body was full of bites. Feasting on my blood every night while I slept on what was suppose to be a queen size bed was only a twin size. When I complained to the owner, she said I must have brought them with me. NOT! I just hope I don't take them with me.
One night the caretaker decided to shut off the power for no reason. I demanded he turn it back on which he did. The hot water was a problem cause I had to figure out how to turn on the hot water tank. Then I was expected to split the cost of the propane which I wasn't told about before. The ant problem was disgusting. They walked across the sink and bathroom and left their tiny poop everywhere. The caretaker did a poor job when asked to clean it and made me feel bad for mentioning it. The ad mentioned a kitchen with fridge, microwave, stove, dishes.....wrong again. No microwave, no coffee machine, no pans and one fork, spoon and knife. I was extremely difficult to cook on the single burner hot plate and easy to burn what you tried to cook. The caretaker decided to do some home renovations on his bathroom. So he started hammering out the concrete wall to make an opening. After a day of this and further dust and noise he final finished this project. But no, he wasn't finished doing home renovations. He decided to do his bedroom too right outside my front door. So there was hammering, an electric sander going for hours on end and all the dust covering everything and the stink of paint. Then there was the  internet problem. It was so slow that I couldn't stream anything without it stopping and starting every minute or so. Or there wasn't any service at all. I was only getting about 13mbs some days. When I asked the owner to move the modem to the back of the house to get better reception, her excuse was that it was too difficult to do that. The owner told me that the apartment would be cleaned before I came. Not. When I found the bed bugs I also check the very stained mattress on the one side and a very more stained surface on the underside. When I told the owner about this she said that she replaced it 6 months ago. I thought what street corner did you pick it up. And was it new-used I thought? The bed sheets were not washed, nor the floor or bathroom shower. So I decided to get out of there ASAP. I looked on line for a new place and found shared accommodations with a few Mexican locals. While waiting to meet my new roommates, I took my dog for a walk. That’s when bad went to worse. While in the park my dog got hit by a man on a scooter when my dog crossed the street. And he was off lease at the time. It is the law in the city to have your dog on leach. Not in reality though with stray dogs and other owners not having them on leach. Fortunately, my dog was fine but the man’s new scooter had a few scratches on it and he had some scratches on his leg and arm. I felt bad and responsible. I thought I could just walk away but went over to this gentleman and try to work things out. He was clearly upset with what happened. I couldn’t speak good Spanish and he couldn’t speak good English. So he called a friend to come help with interpreting. So we waited for his friend to arrive. In the mean time he calmed down a bit and realized that it was an accident. His friend arrived and blamed me for the whole thing. He was threatening to call the police if I didn’t get his moped fixed. We decided to drive over to the dealership to see if they could fix it. It was closed. So, we returned to my old place and I dropped off my dog and went over to the bank machine to give him $5000 pesos for the repairs. I went and took out my limit of $4400 pesos and gave it to him. I got his name and telephone number and agreed to meet up at the dealership the next day at 11am to settle things. So I went to the studio apartment and packed my stuff and moved to the new place that night as planned.  My new roommate with his car drove all my things to the new place. I explained to them what just happened and they said I never should have given him any money in the first place. That’s when I got scared. Knowing how corrupt police are here in Mexico and on top of that a Mexican citizen blaming me for the accident. I thought I’d avoid any more trouble and not show up at the dealership.
A couple of days later I got an email through Airbnb that the owner of the old place complained and was accusing me damages to the studio apartment for $1000 which I knew was non-sense. I left the place better than when I came. I never complained back through Airbnb after the 72 hour deadline and cancelled my booking. Not demanding any compensation though I only was there for two weeks and not the full month. I also found out also from that email that the police came with the owner of the scooter to charge me the next day. For what reason, I have no idea. They took the caretaker to the police station accusing him of harboring a fugitive. He was let go. Whether or not I will be charged when I try to leave Cancun Airport remains to be seen but it is most worrisome and disconcerting to have this experience here. I thought about going to the police in Cancun to find out if there are charges but knowing how corrupt they are I thought it wouldn’t be wise to do so. Two things I have learned here. You are guilty until proven innocent. When something goes wrong you are to blame.
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Sept 22, 2014
Name:  John 
Canadian man allegedly killed defending his sick bedridden father's home during the recent looting in Cabo. Peter was just visiting from Canada to provide care and help for his sick father. Why can we not get any news. The Belleville, Ontario man's name is Peter Berthelotte.
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Sept 22, 2014
Name:  Jasmine
February 15, 2004 my father was shot execution style and murdered in Hotel Margaritas in Cancun, He was of course a Hell's Angel. I want people to be aware these people will kill their own and not think twice the same goes for them.
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Sept 9, 2014
Name:  Anthony 
Dec. 2004 John Klein, my travel companion was followed by a dancers companion and was tossed over the very stairs that lead to our front door so 40' above. He was robbed of $2,400.00 while the incident went semi investigated ! I dealt with the consulate and the incident was reported into the local press in, Puerto Vallarta for your verification as well as documentation I have from the trip and consulate herself.
Thank you,  Anthony
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July 9, 2014
Name:  Chellie 
I'd like to tell you about my experience and another experience that a friend had. I visited Mexico years ago. I traveled to Mexico City first and then Acapulco. In Acapulco me and my friend, both female, were at the bar in the hotel.  All of a sudden we were surrounded by Federale's. A man at the bar put his arm around me and told me not to say a word.  I watched the men at the bar give money and watches and then the Federales left. It really shook us and we were grateful that the men in the hotel looked out for us.  At that time customs was performed in Mexico City so after we left Acapulco we landed in Mexico City. We were ordered off the plan and there were 20 armed Federales. We got off the plane and I had left my carry on bag on the plane that contained my passport. They were very angry with me and I was escorted back on the plane to get it and I saw the Federales going through all of the luggage on the plane.  I was shaken and just kept my head down and grabbed my bag and exited the plane.  I told my friend and thought that they could plant anything in our bags and was do glad when we touched back down on US soil. 
Last year a friend went to Mexico and was thrown into jail for allegedly arguing with the hotel clerk. He was i jail for nearly a month until his family was able to pay off lawyers. 
Also I had a cousin who became ill in Mexico in a boating accident and was taken to the hospital and died. Bystanders said he was not severely injured so we could not understand how he died. His father was a lawyer and we believe he was flashing money around. His parents paid tens of thousands of dollars for his care and to fly his body back to the US. 
I will never travel to Mexico again and do not think people truly understand the risks.
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May 9, 2014
Name:  Travis
My story had no tragic ending, but it very easily could have. I recently traveled to Cancun on my honeymoon between April, 26th and May 3rd 2014. We stayed at the GR Solaris (Sister hotel to the Royal Solaris) Our second day there me and my wife were drugged. The last memory we both have is sitting by the pool-side bar at about 5pm, we both then awoke in our rooms at 1am that next morning. Neither of us have even the slightest memory of what transpired between that time. We were shaken, because you never think anything like this will happen to you, luckily neither of us showed signs of assault and nothing was missing from our room. A previous trip to the same resort two years prior (almost to the day) I saved a young Mexican girl from drowning as she was being pulled under by the tide. Holding her in my arms it was all I could do just to keep both of our heads above the water, it took nearly 10 minutes before the Life Guard on duty casually strolled down the beach and render his own aid. Mexico is dangerous, even if you stay in the resorts.
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March 14, 2014
Name:  Mr. Anonymous
I want to remain anonymous simply because I travel to Mexico frequently. I am in love - Dating a European who lives in Cancun with her Mexican child. We both are divorced, dating for 2 years. Simply, we recently stayed at a "4 star rating" "adult only" resort, in Cancun. We stayed at much more expensive, "cleaner" hotels prior to this trip with only great experiences in both food and service. I was born and raised in New York so I am no fool - no push over and clearly see when things are wrong. My girlfriend was drugged. Period. Zero doubt in my mind. Either GHB or "roofies". From a glass of water served by the staff. We are very confident that glass of water was not in the hands of any other. I'm not giving all the details of what happened -- the story is too long. I did not call the police. I was very close to calling EMT, however, as she was nearly losing  consciousness. I knew calling police was useless - we are in Mexico and I had no eye witness of which staff member actually handed her the water. Note: ask your self a question WHY bottled water cannot be purchased at this place? They say it's "bottled water" in a glass - but that can't be trusted - obviously. I know from my college years the smallest amount of GHB in excess can kill a person so I was extremely worried and scared. She could not open her eyes, could not stop crying, vomiting, and wanting to pass out. I slapped her in her rear in an attempt to get her out of this drugged state. Yelling into her face... Telling her she had been drugged ... And to stay with me talking ... Walking around the room. I did this for nearly 4-5 hours before I felt the drug in her system was wearing off enough that she could speak to me normally. Drinking normal water - eating French fries. She was finally able to Answer my questions about what she remembers. Her memory was like a black out right after she drank the glass of "ice water". Thank God I did not drink it with her.... Maybe one of us floating in a pool. She could not open her eyes for nearly 4 hours. They were swollen. Bloodshot. Even at times rolling back into her head. But she stayed awake and with me. She came around finally -- thanks to God I feel. I know it sounds stupid or risky not to have called EMT but I'm sorry - I have little trust in what remedies they could have performed under the circumstance. I had little trust in the system because I have been reading these sites for months knowing I was going to Mexico to visit her. I was already very cautious. We are together very cautious. It helps when she speaks Mexican and Engligh too. We have always been very careful and this happened to us. At 3AM and with her stable in our room, I went downstairs and advised the hotel manager on duty what happened in private. I also explained that in my attempt to drag her up to the room my "all inclusive" wrist braclet was torn from my wrist by accident. I asked him if his hotel guests have ever been drugged. He said "it has been known to happen". He stated "it's no different here then in the US when reporting something like this " - my gut told me that was nonsense. He asked "why did I not report it to the authorities" - my gut also told me it would be useless. I expressed that too. I asked for replacement braclet - they charged me $50. They had ZERO compassion. I was curious why my replaced braclet was a different color then the first. I read on this site another person having a similar experience with a replaced braclet with a different color. We laid low - finished our trip - and one day later got the hell out of there. With knowing I disclosed our nightmare to the manager, not ONE person asked us about our experience... Nothing. They had ZERO concern. My advice --  if you have to go to Cancun - it worth the extra money for the 5 star places. It's obvious the more exclusive hotels are far more guest friendly and in my opinion safer. Maybe just vacation in St Thomas, Bahamas, or Puerto Rico or Key West people! I love my girl. I will be going back to see her often. I am, we are ...going to be far far far more careful then we already were. My goal is to eventually get her out of this unsafe place where people are NOT held accountable. I feel sorry for the honest Mexicans .. And resorts that work hard to provide good service for vacationers. I truly believe we cannot generalize that most Mexicsns hate foreigners or we are targeted. I have meet good honest people too in my times there. However, the few, and maybe more then few rotten apples, corrupt individuals; know exactly what they can and cannot get away with. It's unsafe - period - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Many years before this place gets to US safety standards, if ever. Be very careful.
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March 15, 2014
Name:  Mr. Anonymous
I want to remain anonymous simply because I travel to Mexico frequently. I am in love - Dating a European who lives in Cancun with her Mexican child. We both are divorced, dating for 2 years. Simply, we recently stayed at a "4 star rating" "adult only" resort, in Cancun. We stayed at much more expensive, "cleaner" hotels prior to this trip with only great experiences in both food and service. I was born and raised in New York so I am no fool - no push over and clearly see when things are wrong. My girlfriend was drugged. Period. Zero doubt in my mind. Either GHB or "roofies". From a glass of water served by the staff. We are very confident that glass of water was not in the hands of any other. I'm not giving all the details of what happened -- the story is too long. I did not call the police. I was very close to calling EMT, however, as she was nearly losing  consciousness. I knew calling police was useless - we are in Mexico and I had no eye witness of which staff  member actually handed her the water. Note: ask yourself a question WHY bottled water cannot be purchased at this place? They say it's "bottled water" in a glass - but that can't be trusted - obviously. I know from my college years the smallest amount of GHB in excess can kill a person so I was extremely worried and scared. She could not open her eyes, could not stop crying, vomiting, and wanting to pass out. I slapped her in her rear in an attempt to get her out of this drugged state. Yelling into her face... Telling her she had been drugged ... And to stay with me talking ... Walking around the room. I did this for nearly 4-5 hours before I felt the drug in her system was wearing off enough that she could speak to me normally. Drinking normal water - eating French fries. She was finally able to Answer my questions about what she remembers. Her memory was like a black out right after she drank the glass of "ice water". Thank God I did not drink it with her.... Maybe one of us floating in a pool. She could not open her eyes for nearly 4 hours. They were swollen. Bloodshot. Even at times rolling back into her head. But she stayed awake and with me. She came around finally -- thanks to God I feel. I know it sounds stupid or risky not to have called EMT but I'm sorry - I have little trust in what remedies they could have performed under the circumstance. I had little trust in the system because I have been reading these sites for months knowing I was going to Mexico to visit her. I was already very cautious. We are together very cautious. It helps when she speaks Mexican and English too. We have always been very careful and this happened to us. At 3AM and with her stable in our room, I went downstairs and advised the hotel manager on duty what happened in private. I also explained that in my attempt to drag her up to the room my "all inclusive" wrist bracelet was torn from my wrist by accident. I asked him if his hotel guests have ever been drugged. He said "it has been known to happen". He stated "it's no different here than in the US when reporting something like this " - my gut told me that was nonsense. He asked "why did I not report it to the authorities" - my gut also told me it would be useless. I expressed that too. I asked for replacement bracelet - they charged me $50. They had ZERO compassion. I was curious why my replaced bracelet was a different color then the first. I read on this site another person having a similar experience with a replaced bracelet with a different color. We laid low - finished our trip - and one day later got the hell out of there. With knowing I disclosed our nightmare to the manager, not ONE person asked us about our experience... Nothing. They had ZERO concern. My advice --  if you have to go to Cancun - it worth the extra money for the 5 star places. It's obvious the more exclusive hotels are far more guest friendly and in my opinion safer. Maybe just vacation in St Thomas, Bahamas, or Puerto Rico or Key West people! I love my girl. I will be going back to see her often. I am, we are ...going to be far far far more careful then we already were. My goal is to eventually get her out of this unsafe place where people are NOT held accountable. I feel sorry for the honest Mexicans .. And resorts that work hard to provide good service for vacationers. I truly believe we cannot generalize that most Mexicans hate foreigners or we are targeted. I have meet good honest people too in my times there. However, the few, and maybe more than few rotten apples, corrupt individuals; know exactly what they can and cannot get away with. It's unsafe - period - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Many years before this place gets to US safety standards, if ever. Be very careful.
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March 4, 2014
Name:  Ann Knight

January, 2014 my husband was seriously injured in a surfing accident.

Fortunately, a foreigner tourist who had knowledge of CPR got my husband out of the water and brought him back to life with CPR. He was driven by ambulance to Todos Santos then to La Paz (where they did not have sufficient equipment to identify his injury). Instead of driving him straight to Los Cabos, they took him back to Todos Santos where the ignorant doctor sat him up in bed and declared there was nothing seriously wrong with him. (He had a spinal cord injury....he should have been stabilized the whole time!) Then the doctor on 2nd thought said that maybe he should go to San Jose Del Cabo for further evaluation. So at dusk we went for a 4th ambulance ride to One World/Saint Lukes Hospital in San Jose Del Cabo. (Mind you, none of these ambulances have seat belt and it's a very rough ride for a spinal cord

victim.) We arrive at the hospital and they take the necessary measures to find out what was wrong and clear enough, he had a C2/C3 fracture. Initially the hospital staff said they would need to stabilize him and he would need to stay there at the hospital for four days. They also told me that I wouldn't be able to get an air evacuation flight out until Tuesday and that weekends in Mexico were "damage control". Anyway, during my husband's stabilization period, I got approached by the staff several times that they would need my credit card in advance for their services - to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. The following day, I was told by their medical team that my husband was getting worse and that they would have to do an operation in Cabo San Lucas. I immediately got on the phone with a family friend/neurosurgeon who highly advised against this treatment plan. He even spoke to the Mexican doctor on the phone and it was quite evident that the Mexican doctor was upset because the knowledgeable neurosurgeon from the United States disagreed with the Mexico prognosis. At that moment I knew I could not wait a minute longer. I immediately began calling air ambulance companies from Tijuana and the United States. I was given quotes from $18K to $25K to get him out of there that very night. While I was on the phone, there was a man who had been lurking around Saint Lukes and he knew I was trying to coordinate a Medical Evacuation flight. Suddenly, this man Adrian tells me that he can get me a flight that night if I come up with $30K! I freaked out. I don't have that kind of money. It was harassment, it was unethical and I told them we don't treat people like that in our country even if they are illegal! You must allow my husband to go. I was so angry that I charged off to employ another service provider and he comes back to tell me that we can leave that night if I come up with $15,500. Even then, I didn't have that kind of money because One World/Saint Lukes Hospital, Mario and his staff held us hostage for all the money we had the previous day!

Long story short, I had to borrow money from a family member to get my husband out that night. In addition to giving them $15,500 - I was harassed into signing over billing rights to my insurance company to them.

Conveniently, when I left the hospital they handed over the outrageous 20 page bill for Saint Lukes but conveniently left out the paperwork for the air ambulance. The air ambulance company told me they would be billing Blue Shield $30K (which I still thought was too much......but we were desperate!) So, we took one last ambulance ride to the Mexican airport and as they were loading my ravaged husband into the plane (who was calling out in Spanish......"let's go, let's go"), I was sitting in the ambulance because I was freezing (I still had my clothes on from the beach from the day before) and the pilot and ambulance drivers and their helpers were all posing for photos in front of the plane and taking pictures with their I-phones - all the while my husband is screaming in pain in the back of the plane! It was insanity. Fast forward: After a month stay at Sharp Hospital in San Diego my husband is still fighting the effects of the injury. I am grateful he is alive and we made it back to California. The after-effects of the One World/Saint Luke Hospital experience aren't over; the brutal harassment of their staff over money and the rip off air-evacuation company is long lasting. It has only just begun because I just recently found out this sketchy ambulance company is trying to bill my insurance for $300K - not $30K and when I contacted Mario about this, he told me he was not aware!

This is simply not true. It was Mario and his henchmen that set this whole thing up. They are all in cahoots and grease each other's palms. If you don't believe me, read more about this hospital on Trip Advisor or the internet. They are notoriously crooked and there isn't much anyone can do about it. It is even purported that Mario is a slow pay to his own doctors and that is why there is such a big turn-over of doctors in his hospital. My

advice: get medical air-evacuation insurance (always)!

And lastly, I would like to mention -- it is a well known fact to long time Baja residents and gringo publications that One World/Saint Lukes is not an honest organization. This does not stop any of these rags from accepting advertising from them. It's pretty difficult to expose the crusty underbelly of the medical system in San Jose Del Cabo if they are paying you off.

When going to Mexico don't be concerned about the cartel, banditos or cops wanting a little mordita, be vigilant about what YOU are going to do if you ever get injured in Los Cabos. Have a plan and if you should ever need a doctor quickly, I suggest going to the veterinarian in Todos Santos.....he's smart, quick and inexpensive
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March 2, 2014
Name:  Raychelo

I wish I had seen all of your stories before I went to the Oasis Grand Tulum, Mexico! I have been trying to get some type of compensation from my travel agent for me my husbands nightmare trip. I feel relieved which is terrible to hear that a lot of people on this forum were ignored, pushed aside or treated like they didn't matter in serious circumstances! I know were in another country but if this is how you conduct business I want no part of it!! It is disgusting and immoral that anyone be treated like nothing when they are hurt or dying! SICK DO NOT GO HERE WE ARE ALIVE LUCKILY but the people at the GRAND OASIS TULUM are totally incapable of running a business of any kind!!!!
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February 18, 2014
Name:  Jennie

I'm contacting you in regards to an incident that occurred at the Barcelo Palace Deluxe February 17, 2014 in the morning hours (between 9-11am local time).  There was what appeared to be a child who drowned in one of the pools and a guest (or parent) had to perform CPR and scream and run around for a lifeguard.  It took minutes for any lifeguard to appear, and they stood around while this man performed CPR.  I was informed not to go closer, and am hoping that everything turned out okay for the child and their family who was in hysterics.  I haven't been able to stop my mind from coming back to this since it happened, and am praying the person is okay after being surrounded by hotel personnel and being taken away.  After reading about all of the horror stories surrounding travel to Mexico, I am extremely hesitant to go back.  Yes, everywhere has its fair share of crime and negligence, but it seems to be much higher here and brushed under the carpet.
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February 15, 2014
Name:  Gerri

I posted about 6 years ago about my husband and I being drugged at Dreams Cancun. The inhumane treatment at their hospital and I am amazed to read about all the similar occurrences that have happened to people over the years. When will Americans get it? Mexico is a very DANGEROUS country.
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December 30, 2013
Name:  Janine

We just returned from a Carnival cruise leaving on Dec 22nd out of Long Beach.  While on our Puerto Vallarta stop, Near Lapallapa, a 7 year old riding on the back of an 18 year olds Banana boat, jet ski died. We were there when medics arrived.  We heard from a family member that the victim’s mother was going up to them to spash them and something terribly wrong happened.   They were fellow cruise passengers.  I looked on this site but could not find anything.  All I know is they were from California.  It happened on December 26th 2013.  I heard the mom Was flying back with body. The rest of the family and extended family took the cruise ship back.  So sad. She had 1 older sister and two brothers. Grandma, and Aunt and Uncle where there as well. I am looking for more info as we are so upset for the family.
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December 25, 2013
Name:  Martine

I want to report a death and a huge miscarriage of justice which happened on a overcrowded catamaran trip in the hope I can trace the lady in questions friends as only 1 of them knew how hard we fought to save her friend while crew members looked on none were trained in CPR it was a disgrace
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October 21, 2013
Name: Ron

We arrived at puerto aventuras, Cancun on 20 September for a week stay which was to include my daughter's wedding on the beach. On Monday the 21st, my daughter noticed she was missing about $170 from her safe. She called security and they came up to her room to investigate. They said no one has access, but by Friday they would give her the results of the investigation. Since we got there, we found that you could drink many of the cocktails without getting drunk, which was fine with us, as we are not big partiers. On Wednesday, the 24th, a few of us were at the swing bar  at aprox.1030am, which is located right next to the water, swings (hence the name), great views etc. My wife had less than 1 drink, didn't feel well and retreated to the room. My sister, her boyfriend and myself stayed and had a lunch of paella and burgers. Her boyfriend left to take a nap before the wedding which was scheduled at 5pm. It was aprox 2pm when my sister said we should finish our drinks and head back to the rooms to rest before the wedding. This is where it all went blurry! Next thing you know, I am on the shower floor puking my guts out! My sister is in the exact same predicament.

From what we pieced together, my wife and daughter happened to look down from the balcony to see me being ushered/carried by 2 security men, one being head of security, and my sister in a wheel chair. They then ran down stairs and met up with us in the lobby. They took us to our rooms and that's when I came to in the shower. Needless to say, I missed walking my daughter down the aisle! The next morning, I wake up feeling great! No headache, upset stomach or anything that is associated with tying one on. This leads to even more confusion that I am feeling. I just don't understand how it all happened? That was the worse than any hangover! Losing time when the last thing you remember being sober and planning to leave after you finish your drink. On Friday, the security investigation was closed and the findings given to my daughter and her husband. No one had access and they must have misplaced the money but, the resort would do something "nice". The head of security then asked, " by the way, how is your father? I know he didn't make the ceremony." I had a total of 5 drinks over 6 hours and like I said before, the drinks aren't very strong. My sister and I went from sober to unable to walk exactly at the same time?  What are those odds? I think not!
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October 14, 2013
Name:  Maria

My friend and I had a horrific vacation in Playa Del Carmen in Mexico, September 29, 2013-October 6, 2013.  Please advise since Expedia, JetBlue, Viva Wyndham Maya or the travel insurance I purchased refuse to even hear me out fully.  We were constantly lied to our faces, when they realized my friend speaks Spanish they would walk away or turn their backs to us.  Since our return back to US, I have not returned to work due to my doctor's orders and my friend had emergency surgery to remove an organ due to infection sustained in Mexico.  The insurance company disputes our claim since the workers at the hotel and JetBlue lied about what we said.  Please help - lost money and our jobs are in jeopardy!
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October 8, 2013
Name:  Anonymous

After reading the stories here, I realize how fortunate my husband and I are. We were in Cancun last week, we rented a car and drove to Xplor Park near Xel-ha. We took route 307 the entire way to the park--it was morning so light outside. On the return trip, it starting raining very hard, due to the outskirts of Hurricane Karen. We missed the turn to the Hotel Zone in Cancun. We were driving slow due to rain and being lost. We were flagged by the police. Not knowing any of the warnings/rules, we stopped for the police. We were intimidated and robbed. Had we known some of the items we know now, we wouldn't have rented a car--probably wouldn't have gone to Cancun. I have been to Mexico many times and this is the first time I've experienced a situation like this. My husband and I both are still experiencing issues related to the intimidation and harassment. Please rethink your vacation ideas before booking a trip to Mexico.
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October 5, 2013

Name:  Henry

Hi my mum Julia Howard was murdered in the moon palace hotel cancun in 2009. No one seems to care I hope may be you can. The pain of my MUMS murder will never go. But if I could find out what happened it would help. Henry eldest son of Julia Howard
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September 20, 2013

Name:  Jennifer

I visited the Yucatan in 2002 for 10 days of remote whitewater rafting and had the best time of my life, the people in the villages were gracious and kind (I brought a bag full of "gifts" with me for the families and children), the whitewater was wonderful, the travel was hard, but to be expected for whitewater locations.  We stayed in small local hotels, very modest.  Local militia stopped us several times, always out of nowhere on remote roads, they searched our vans and our guides gave them money and we went on our way.  We used local guides along with their US partner.  It was the trip of a lifetime.  I love Mexico, I love the people, it's so sad to hear of these horror stories.  I did take a few precautions, visited a travel doctor and got medications before my trip (just in case) and I went to the extra expense of buying travel insurance, including medical and repatriation insurance (in case I was kidnapped).  I'm saddened that Mexico is getting such a bad reputation, it's a great place with lovely people, but it seems the crime rate has risen drastically over the last 10 years. It's too bad because Mexico needs the $ from tourism.
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August 28, 2013

Name:  Helen

My 17 year old son just returned from visiting Cancun Mexico. I allowed him to go with his friend and his mom and dad. On his return he informs me that at 5 am he was awoken by 2 security guards banging on the door demanding he had stolen a fire extinguisher my son denied this and they ransacked his room made him empty his pockets and took 50.00 of the 52.00 he had. After reading all the horrible events on this site I can only conclude that if my son had not been compliant or tried in any way to fight of being robbed he would have been another   balcony story that the Mexicans would have reported as a suicide. Thank God my son made it home alive. He stayed at the Grand Oasis Cancun August 2013
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August 26, 2013

Name:  Tracie H

Here is the story of my long awaited Mexican vacation....

My 2 girlfriends and I stayed at the Riu Yucatan last Feb 2012 for 9 nights.
It has taken me this long to actually put my review up, but I really wanted to warn people about the Riu Yucatan and the Riu in general. We are all in our 40's, happily married and vacation frequently with and without our spouses. They could not make this trip due to work. I have stayed in Playacar 10 times usually staying at the Iberostar chains. We decided to stay at the Riu Yucatan because after a lot of research we found they do not use latex in the kitchen or housekeeping, as my friend has a deadly latex allergy. We had a great time up until the last day. The hotel was clean and the food was good. The beach is perfect and the pool was also great and very big. The entertainment team was fun and not pushy at all. Daniel was fun and always had a smile on his face and friendly to everyone. We had a problem with one of the entertainment guys when we took the hotel excursion to Coco Bongos in Playa del Carmen. He showed up at Coco Bongos after his shift at the hotel. He was not with our group, but hung around and got very drunk and obnoxious. He proceeded to tell us how he resents the guests at the hotel and hates always having to be nice to people. He made it clear to our group that he was on his night off and not being nice, so don't try talking to him.   
So, back to the last day/night. We were having a good time at the beach party and pool games. Around 4pm, I realized I needed to have a nap before dinner, as I had been having some extra cocktails and feeling the effects being in the sun all day. My girlfriends walked me back to our room, tucked me into bed and left the room to go back to the beach to get all our beach stuff and hand in the towels since we were leaving at 8am the next morning.
The next thing I knew, I woke up and the male maid was over top of me, and I was being sexually assaulted. I screamed, he backed up and started speaking in Spanish and then ran out of the room. Our room was his last room to clean that day, and he must have been in the hall when my friends walked me back.  Needless to say, I was in shock, alternating between crying and screaming.  
My friends came back into the room approx 15 minutes later and found me in that state. My one friend ran out and tried to get help. She came back with a security guard who spoke no English, so she left again and came back with the Riu director, Julian Joubert, and the head of security. My friends thought they were downplaying the whole incident and were not taking us seriously. Mr. Joubert spoke very good english, so it's not like they couldn't understand us. They refused to call the police, saying we needed to take a taxi to the police station ourselves and file a report. I told them that it was our male maid who did this to me. We could not believe they would not call the police or offer any kind of assistance. Here I was, curled up into a ball on the bed crying, having just woke up to our maid sexually assaulting me and they were telling us we needed to take a cab to the police station. About 25 minutes later, we were in a cab to the police station in Playa del Carmen. No representative from the hotel came with us to act as an interpreter or offer any assistance at all. We were taken to the Tourista police station in downtown Playa. I filled out a form stating what happened and the woman behind the desk told us we needed to go to the Ministerio Publico, another police station we were told, but it was actually the prosecutor's office. It is here where I would have to fill out a report to see if there was actually a 'crime' committed and have a 'medical exam'. 
Long story shortened, we were at the Ministerio Publico for over 3 hours and could not get an official report filed. They had an officer come in who was to act as an interpreter who unofficially wrote out in Spanish exactly what happened. By this time, and getting the run around we left without filling out an official police report. We were treated terrible by the staff there, IGNORED. The police officer was kind and could not help us with what we needed to do. He was not what we would consider an interpreter, he spoke broken english. At one time a man came in who was very shady looking and stated he was 'the doctor' and needed to do an exam on me. We really didn't know what was going on as we had no guidance. In hindsight, we should have called the Canadian consulate who would have guided me through the entire legal process. (I found this out after I got home and contacted the foreign affairs department in Ottawa.) The next morning at 8am, before we left the resort, we met with the director of the Riu Yucatan, Mr. Julian Joubert, in his office. We again went over what happened and he asked us if we wanted to ID the maid, as they had him in the head of security's office. I agreed. He was escorted to the office and absolutely, I identified him as the man who sexually assaulted me and he was our room maid. Mr. Joubert assured me he would be in contact with me over the next few days to let me know the process of the charges. He also told me the only person who would have had a key to our room was him, the maid and the housekeeping supervisor, which was a woman. The Riu still uses big keys instead of swipe cards. 
After I went home, I tried multiple times to contact Mr. Joubert, but he would not answer any of my emails or calls. I did receive an email from the Riu head office in Spain, after many many emails, basically saying it was my word against his, and I had to prove the accusations and they could not believe one of their employees would do such a thing. I was also in regular contact with the foreign affairs dept. in Ottawa. Although, they were very nice, they could not legally do anything. They sent me a list of lawyers in Playa del Carmen and Cancun but I could not afford to hire a lawyer here, let alone in Mexico. He said I could press charges but would need a Mexican lawyer. The Canadian consulate in Playa del Carmen even got involved and went to the Ministerio Publico to get a copy of the translated facts of what happened. They had no record of me or what happened. The Riu would not tell me if he was still working there. They told me since I did not lay any charges against him that they could not do anything. So I believe he is still there.I think now that I was very lucky.  I was lucky I was not strangled and killed, or removed from my room and end up being sold to traffickers.   WhenI got home and went to the sexual assault treatment center, she handed me a pamphlet and told me that this actually happens.  
Please be aware and don't ever think that anything bad cannot happen to you just because you are on vacation.  It happens, and it is very devastating. 
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August 20, 2013

Name:  Cara Colantuono

My best friend died just like Nolan Webster on Aug 10th 2013 at Oasis in Cancun Mexico

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July 26, 2013

Name:  Alexandra

I was horrified yesterday by a promotion bid by the http://www.sectur.gob.mx/ called #MexicoFiendly.I am a close friend of a Canadian that was kidnapped in Mexico last march, we found the car and the dog etc..since then, another Canadian vanished and we are in contact with his family as well for support and spread awareness about the reality of this country...I’m sending you Marc s link in hope you can post his story on your website. we are also creating a map of the disappearances occurring in Mexico...If there is anything a can do for you ,please let me know .I’ve already tweeted your page and posted it on Facebook .I believe what you are doing is vital Best regards Alexandra D Adam http://marc-menard.com/index.php/en/ and the second Canadian ,John lioudakis http://helpfindjohnlioudakis.com/

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July 3, 2013

Name:  Alison

This is the link to the article about my friends death, showing just how unprepared and unprofessional the Mexican hotel and medical staff were. Just thought people should now this before travelling, maybe if Camila and her family knew she would still be alive today.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/story/2013/07/03/lopez-mexico-kitchener-teen-death-accusation.html

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July 2, 2013

Name:  Juan

I think me and my girl were roofied at the Grand Oasis on a recent trip to Cancun.  We were in the swim up bar by the pool around 3pm and don't remember anything. My girlfriend woke up in our room around 11pm and woke up in a Mexican jail. When we arrived back to the hotel, the manager told us that we had 30 mins to leave and treated us like criminals. We still don't know what happened nor anyone gave us a reason what happened.

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June 23, 2013

Name:  Carmen

In May 2013 my bf fell from fourth floor of Bahia hotel in Cabo San Lucas. Hotel called for ambulance and he was taken to the one world by St. Luke hospital.  He had severe injuries and we were told they could not do life saving surgery without credit card payment. Eventually they did surgery then demanded 50000 dollars before they would medically release him for air evac. So many more details. I wrote story on tripadvisor under horrific Cabo trip. Hotel was shady about situation hospital extortionists. Gringo gazette did article but the directors statement plagiarized from tripadvisor comments. Notified editor she sweeps under rug.  Please contact me so I can help get the message out there that people need an emergency plan when traveling out of the country. We of course will never return

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June 18, 2013

Name:  Denis Janveau

I've been on a traveling sabbatical since February first, 2013. I first went to Corozal Belize for 3 months and decided to take a bus to Playa Del Carmen at the end of April. While in Belize, I was warned to stay away from Belize city, even the local people are afraid to go there. Other than having to face beggars and seeing the results of extreme poverty, things went fairly well. 

When I first arrived in Mexico, it seemed fairly safe. One thing I noticed is the growing resentment and anger toward white people (gringos). When going into local shops to purchase daily necessities, the local people often glare at you with what appears to be extreme hatred. To put it bluntly, they look at you like they want to kill you. I realize this may seem like an extreme statement, but this is not my first experience in Mexico and I can tell you that things have changed for the worst. When I was 16 years old, I hitched-hiked all throughout Mexico for 4 months. This was an incredible experience, the people were so kind and helpful, it blew me away. This was back 82-83.

I am currently living in Playa Del Carmen. My accommodations are like that of most Mexicans. I live in the outskirts of town in an apartment building. My rent is roughly $200 a month, which includes furniture and utilities. The price is right, but the atmosphere is not what I expected. The Mexican are not very friendly, when I attempted to introduce myself to some of my neighbors, they were extremely rude, saying things like, "what do you want?", "what are you doing here?"...

Sure they have large supermarkets, which looks very American, but the way they treat gringos is surprising. Often when I go the supermarket to purchase groceries and supplies, I get treated very poorly by the cashiers when attempting to pay for my items. Often they refuse to accept the money saying they have no change for a 500 pesos note (a value of approximately $45 at present), or they give you two or three handfuls of coins for change. One time the cashier refused to give me a bag for my groceries. These annoyances by themselves do not make for a life threatening situation, but it tells you a lot about how the Mexicans feel about the Gringos (white people). Actions speak louder than words.

The general atmosphere of the local people in Playa Del Carmen, is one of resentment and anger. You don't have to look very far to find it, it will find you. It makes for a very unpleasant experience.

When I heard about the latest murder in Playa Del Carmen, I was surprised. about 4 weeks ago, a retired Canadian police officer was stabbed to death in her home. She was a lady in her 60's. I was even more surprised that nobody seemed to be aware of it. Heck I lived here when it happened and I didn't know about it, until a family member in Canada informed me of the tragic death. When I inquired about it here in Playa, I was bluntly told by a Mexican that she must have done something to deserve it. That's when I started researching on the Internet and I found your website. I've been here almost two months and I'm planning on leaving within the next couple of weeks. I was originally planning on staying another 3 months, but I am feeling increasingly uneasy about staying here. When the local people are rude and obnoxious, that's one thing, but when people are being murdered, that's a completely different issue. What concerns me is that the locals look at you with such hatred and  anger, it makes you wonder if it is just a matter of time until they act on their feelings. It's one thing to have people look at you like they want to kill you, it is an entirely different thing when you realize that white people are being killed here and the locals are acting on their emotions about foreigners.

In my opinion, even if nothing happens to you during your stay in Mexico, the experience is not going to be pleasant. Some of the people are nice, but it doesn't make-up for all the times when people glare at you like they want to kill you. It can make you feel uneasy, not what most people are looking for while on vacation.

There's a growing resentment against white people all over the world. I believe that it might be because of the media (movies and sitcoms) portraying people in the western world as being wealthy. In the movies everyone lives in big houses, drives expensive cars, and live well. The people in poor countries see this and think that we are all rich and they resent the fact they have to live the way they do, while we gringos have it all.

Stay away from Mexico!

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May 31, 2013

Name:  Michael

Drinks are spiked and that is not even news,  but If you want first hand testimony I have that too. Females and males ending in rape.......

Better to just say I have spent the last 7 years finding answers to many questions, we should talk.

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May 31, 2013

Name:  Michael

My wife Mexican my son 9 months old was being treated for a common cold Intubated for money done wrong causing damage revived and responsive massive head trauma with

no reason MURDERED in the hospital to cover the ugly mistakes. SAME doctor who signs the death certificate also signs the autopsy. I have documentation from the hospital and testimony from a person who used to work for them....
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May 16, 2012

Name:  Brittany

I am writing this letter to try and explain to you the unforgettable experience that I had while traveling to Oasis Cancun Resort in Cancun, Mexico. (Booking Number: 59826845) Unfortunately, our experience was life changing and is something that myself and my friends will never forget. After all of our friends separated to get ready for dinner, we all met at our meeting place and noticed that my boyfriend Doug Jones had not returned and had taken longer than expected to return. Doug was nowhere to be found. I asked my friends if they had seen him, and they stated that they had seen him speaking with people in the resort but had not seen him since. I had been told that he had been seen talking to security by the pool bar and that was the last time they had seen him. I immediately went down to front desk to question his whereabouts and the lady told me that he had been removed off the property until 11pm because he had come to front desk in a frantic state and was being "rude". At this time I couldn't believe that a resort could put their guests lives in jeopardy by sending them onto the streets of Mexico among the public alone. After hours of searching we went back to the hotel and approached front desk to get some answers. After being spoken to very rudely we all went to security to get them to radio the other security around the hotel. They had no intentions of helping me and spoke Spanish to each other and were smiling; unusual reaction for a security guard being asked for help. The group then decided we should go to the police station to make a missing persons report. After coming back to the hotel we decided we should go back on the paths we had already been on just in case we forgot to look somewhere. We then continued looking around and once again went back to the hotel to see if anyone had any more information. We decided to call the hospital to make sure that he wasn't there. There was no one there at that time with his description. Just as we were leaving the hotel room I looked down the hall and saw him coming towards me. When I saw him I was so overwhelmed with emotion and I couldn't believe he was back and safe... so I thought. As he got closer he was white as a ghost and crying. I began asking him where he was and if he was alright, to which he replied saying "he never thought he was going to see me again and that they tried to kill him". Not once during my search for him, did it ever cross my mind that he was being tormented. He was being escorted by a hotel "staff member" in regular clothing who looked the age of 15-20, he hardly spoke any English but got hotel security to tell us we had 5 minutes to come up with the $118 to pay for a new bracelet or he would be escorted off the property again. Our group walked downstairs with him as he began telling us his side of the story. As he was explaining what happened I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He told me that him and our were walking back from the Grand Oasis and they were approached by security. After taking them separately they demanded his money, which he said he wasn't going to give them. They then held Doug's head underwater for several seconds and then re asked him if he was ready to give the money up. Doug said that he felt like he almost had to breath in and that he had never held his breath for that long. Immediately after they let him up for air he began crying for his life. At this point Doug realized his life was in jeopardy and gave them all that he had ($130 USD). A hotel guest saw what was happening to him ran back to get help but by the time people went to investigate they were gone. At this time he then ran to front desk to explain to them what happened. Being in fear of his life and in a panic from what just happened he tried to explain his. Front desk told him that he was being disruptive and he had to get off the property until 11pm. After paying the $118 via credit card for the new bracelet (to return into the hotel ).  We noticed that it was white not orange like everyone else's. We then asked what the different colour meant, front desk said that he had lost his privileges and his was on a zero tolerance punishment from now on (the second day into the trip). So that meant that he wasn't able to drink or have any complaints towards him. The same man that originally escorted Doug to the hotel room kept trying to get Doug to leave him with towards the first floor. A few friends and I told him that he wasn't going anywhere without us. At this point we were done dealing with the hotel and went up into our rooms. For the next two days we stayed in the hotel room and only left for meals when we were with all our friends. Every time we walked past security our hearts sank and we wondered if he was part of it.  Two other guys went missing and we kept feeling like we were re-living what happened. We were in fear of what was happening to the missing persons and I knew completely how his friends felt. Two other people went missing on the trip. One brutally beaten by the police and the other one I don’t know if they found him. This wasn’t even the only problem.

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May 1, 2013

Name:  Ann

It has been several years since our last trip to Mexico but, we will never visit anywhere in Mexico again.  We stayed at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita for a corporate retreat.  The hotel is beautiful and the staff was wonderful.  The second day of our trip my husband got sick.  They have a doctor on site.  We visited the physician who spoke limited English and we explained that my husband is allergic to penicillin.  He gave us an antibiotic with the packaging in Spanish and said to come back if his condition worsened.  I felt uneasy not being able to read the packaging.  My husband is in the medical industry so we called back to the states and had a doctor friend look up the product to see if it was safe for his allergy.  It was penicillin and could have killed him if he had taken it.  We decided to use the olden day approach and had him take shots of tequila to kill the bacteria and get some rest.  If you get sick in Mexico...  BEWARE of what they prescribe for you  u.  We thought we were safe because we were at a high end resort with medical staff on site.  Not so.  The drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport was interesting as we crossed a bridge with armed military that all wore masks and the road winds through the jungle.  We attended one business function off the resort where we were picked up in black SUV'S driven 5 minutes in to town escorted into the restaurant and had security stationed on the beach outside the patio we were dining on, and driven back to the hotel.  We decided not to leave the hotel property for the remainder of our stay.  The night before we flew home the swine flu epidemic broke out.  The news stated that they were going to close the P.V. airport.  We were a little apprehensive when we departed the hotel the next morning as to how we would get back home and was our health at risk.  We were surprised when we were picked up in a black SUV, bullet proof windows with one armed driver and an armed bodyguard in the  back seat.  It was a corporate security detail to get us safely to the airport.  Half way to the airport in the jungle where the road is narrow and only one car at a time can get through  we suddenly see a pickup truck filled with three men in the back fly out of the jungle right in front of our car and a second truck come out of the jungle behind our car.  They boxed our car in.  We had nowhere to go.  At that moment we knew they were trying to kidnap us or worse.  We thank God that he provided us with our driver as he saved our lives!!!  He kept driving faster pushing the truck in front of us.  He finally saw a chance and he took it by speeding up driving up sideways on a jungle hill and narrowly bringing the car back down in front of the lead truck.  The angels had to have helped keep the SUV from rolling over.  He never slowed down until we got to the airport.  We are so grateful that these security men were not corrupt.  Come to find out the issues do not arise with going to the resorts in this area but when you leave the resort gates and try to return to the airport.  If you still want to go,  make sure you take proper precautions with hotel transportation and off site excursions.  
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April 15, 2013

Name:  Paulette

We traveled to Cancun in January 2013 and stayed at the Great Parnassus with a large group of people.  My aunt and friend and myself as well as our 13 year old and 8 year old daughters decided to go find the farmer's market.  We asked an employee at our hotel what bus to get on and he told the bus driver where to take us.  Needless to say, the bus driver (who spoke no English) took us to a farmer's market far away from the one that most tourists go visit and since this was our first trip to Cancun, we didn't know any differently until we got back and told our story.  The farmer's market we went to was far away from the hotel zone (the one you actually want to visit is right in the center of the hotel zone).  It was located in a run-down area of the city and since we were inadequately prepared for where we were, we got on the wrong bus to go home.  We asked the bus driver if the bus took us back to the Great Parnassus several times and he replied "yes yes"  However, a  after riding on the bus for 35 minutes and everyone else on the bus had exited, we found ourselves in a horrible section of Cancun.  Our bus driver pulled over into an alleyway where a guy in a lawn chair got on his cell phone and climbed aboard our bus.  At that point, I completely had a panic attack and asked why we were stopped.  Neither the bus driver or the cell phone guy could say why, just kept saying it would only be a few more minutes.  The longer we stayed there, the more upset I became and finally marched up to the front of the bus and demanded that my husband had us on my gps on my iphone and wondered why we were so far away from our hotel and was going to be contacting the police.  At that point, the cell phone guy climbed back on the bus and then told the bus driver to just go.  I have no idea why the bus pulled over into an alleyway and I have no idea why we were stopped for such a long time (it seemed like forever but was probably only like 10 minutes).  We later came to find out that we were in Old Cancun.  It ended up taking us almost two hours to return back to our hotel.  I would recommend not leaving the resort whatsoever if you visit Cancun or if you do, you better know EXACTLY where you are going before you climb on board any public transportation.  I still believe a guardian angel was watching over my friends and family and myself that day.  I still have nightmares that they may have taken my daughter or myself and what could have become of us. 

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April 10, 2013

Name:  Tracy

my son is staying at the sandos caracol resort and spa I have just received a call saying he has been spiked and his iphone stolen does anyone know who to report this too?

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April 4, 2013

Name:  Johnny

Wow, your site has really opened my eyes to things that I would have probably overlooked. I am on vacation in Mexico now and came on your site after having issues out here with individuals trying to lure me away to unfamiliar locations, security at hotel following me around, people asking me specific questions about myself, etc.

I decided to do a little research and I think that you have just saved my life and my families. If I had known this information prior to my trip I would have already cancelled it. I attempted to leave immediately after I read your site, but the supposed "insurance" coverage plan for my trip would only do so with a doctor’s note. There is no way I'm going to see a doctor here after reading all of your information.

I also made careful observations in my hotel after reading your site. My balcony was not safe, the railings were poorly screwed onto the wall with incorrect size bolts, the room has no fire sprinkler systems in case of fire, there is no emergency stairwell for exits, and on and on. I was frightened to even open the door or answer the phone in my room at all. I also cancelled all of my planned trips with diving and jet ski's as I read of all the malfunctions in equipment and deaths from jet ski incidents out here. I cannot thank you enough for saving my life. I am so glad that you have put this effort forward, because you are saving lives of others whether you know it or not.

I simply can't wait to get home safely and I am being extremely careful about everything until my flight. I am now aware that people here are scoping out victims from afar. I wouldn't have known this without reading your site. Instead of being watched, I am scanning the area myself and I clearly notice people who are sitting and waiting for their next victim. Thank you for doing what you do with this site.

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March 18, 2013

Name:  Lina 

My daughter just returned this past Saturday from a Spring Break trip at the Oasis Cancun! She was told that a girl staying at the hotel was missing. It was being kept quiet but the girl's friends were walking around with her picture all week asking if anyone had seen her. And groups of kids were seen crying in the lobby. She was not in my daughters group but heard a rumor that she might have been from Canada but not sure how true that is. Haven't been able to find any information about if she was found or not. So sick over this! Have you heard anything about it!

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March 18, 2013

Name:  Tish

Hi, I just came across your web site and wanted to say it's about time someone shared Mexico stories.  I lived and worked in Cabo for 3 years from 1990 to 93 and of course have my own stories.  But, the reason I'm writing you is I heard a friend of mine was murdered in the desert in Cabo late 90's or early 2000 and cannot find any information about it (which is normal in Mexico).  If you have any ideas on how to find out what happened, could you please let me know?  His name was Wolfgang Buss and he sold timeshares in Cabo for years.  Thanks for any help.

Warm Regards,  Tish

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March 10, 2013

Name:  Brittany

I just came back from the oasis Cancun , where it was the worst week of my life ! On Saturday march 2nd around 6pm my boyfriend was taken by security for interrupting a show , he was then robbed and had his held under water in the pool for several seconds !  They stole 130 dollars from him . I searched for him in the streets of Mexico for 6 hours. Security of the hotel were all in on what had happened to him and they all had different stories. The hotel staff told me that he was "rude" to the staff so he was kicked off the resort until 11 pm . After finding him and seeing my 6 foot 3 , 250 pound boyfriend in tears of fear , I lost it ! This was the second day of our trip and we lived with fear for the remanding 5 days 
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March 2, 2013

Name:  Tina

I am desperate to find a gentlemen from Holland that stayed at Sandos Caracol Eco resort & spa in the Riviera Maya February 24/25, 2013. He was travelling with a group of men.  He is the only person who can account for my daughter between 4:30-5:00 am the morning of February 25, 2013.
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January 25, 2013

Name:  Anonymous

My husband and I arrived at our hotel in Playa Del Carmen on January 12, 2013. We were very much looking forward to this vacation together. We have never been to Mexico before, but we do travel on an annual basis. I was very concerned a year ago about traveling to Mexico given all the bad publicity.

The resort was beautiful! We arrived at approx 1130hrs (Mexico time), had a drink at the bar, had some lunch, took a walk and then settled into our room by about 1600hrs. We then made our way down to the pool bar and socialized with some tourists. In retrospect, I now realize that wearing my wedding rings and talking to the other tourists about our professions may have been one of the reasons we were targeted. At approx 1800hrs, a new bartender arrived at the pool bar. I was at this point coherent and sober. The bartender seemed a bit shady. He pored tequila shots for the couple beside us. There were 2 young men socializing with my husband at the time. They very well could have been of Mexican origin. The bartender prepared "purple shooters" for both my husband and I. We did not ask for them, but did drink them. They were in no way strong, but rather they tasted like watered down Kool-Aid. At this point, I left the bar (call it intuition) and went in the pool for a swim. Within 20 minutes, I felt disoriented, paranoid, confused, and upset. I ended up falling in the pool in the shallow end and sustained injuries to both my neck and the soft palate at the back of my throat. I can remember attempting to go up to the room, but the details are difficult to remember at this point. The next thing I know is another tourist was asking if she could help me, so I asked her to stay with me. The next thing I remember is the manager in my room opening up the safe and handing me my passport. I did not have the code for the safe, as my husband had locked our belongings up when we checked into our room! I believe that the only reason that we were not robbed was because this tourist was by my side, and I was coherent enough to understand what was going on. I asked to see the doctor in the hotel, as my throat was swelling up due to the fall in the pool (the straw in my drink scratched the back of my throat when I fell.) I was stating that I didn't feel right and that something was wrong. I was teary and terrified. Finally, my husband who is 43 years old came up to the room.

He is a large tall man who has never experienced a blackout or become disoriented or "off balance" when drinking. Both he and I had only 2-3 drinks each in total since 1230 that afternoon. I expressed concern about my husband as well as myself. The staff became aggressive and told me that I must go to the hospital. I told them that I did not feel comfortable going in a cab to a strange hospital alone. They told me I had no choice and removed my bracelet. My husband does not recall these events which is unusual given that I am half his size, so I assume that he received a larger dose of whatever drug was slipped into our drinks. (I highly suspect Rohypnol given our symptoms) Neither my husband nor I have ever experienced these symptoms in our lives. We both recall "images" throughout that night, but are unable to put all the pieces of the story together. My recollection of the events seem to be clearer than his.

I reluctantly went to the hospital and was admitted for 2 days. I received heavy doses of antibiotics which I feel was appropriate given my blood work and CT scan results. There were no toxicology screens ordered. In the meantime, my husband was at the hotel and does not recall me going to the hospital. This would be about the time in which the illegal substances given would have peaked. The staff asked him to leave, but demanded $200.00 for a cracked door in our room which had obviously been repaired previously. He refused, and demanded that the police be called. I asked for the police to be called earlier in the room, and again they refused. The staff once again refused to contact the police. My husband attempted to call the hospital where I was but they reported that I left, which was not the case. I was admitted to the medical unit after being seen in emergency. My husband could not find me, and the texts that I was sending him could not be sent. He made his way to the Holiday Inn, stayed there for the night and left on a flight home the next day. He contacted the police, as he was under the impression that I was "missing".

I would like to support you in any way I can to help get the message across to fellow Canadian and US travelers that this is a significant and serious problem which must be addressed. In no way did we receive any help or support from the police or staff at the resort. Although we were  victims, we were made to feel like "criminals". I am angry, as I am quite aware that giving an individual these type of "date rape" drugs such as GHB, or Rohypnol in the wrong doses can quite quickly and easily kill someone. I have contacted Transat vacations, as well as the Canadian/Mexican Embassy.

The Embassy was kind enough to send me a list of lawyers to contact. I think they missed my point! I am quite capable of retaining a lawyer on my own!!!!

I am so frustrated and extremely angry. Do we need to start sending our own police to these resorts to provide protection to fellow Canadian and US Citizens? Perhaps all we can do is continue to warn travelers of the dangers involved in Mexico? It's not only the young adults who are "partying" be targeted as I once thought....we are all potential victims! I am a health care professional with a number of years of experience.

Although this was a terrible experience, we are lucky to be alive! I am sharing our story to raise awareness for potential travelers from the US and Canada. My heart goes out to those individuals who have lost their loved ones while on vacation.

Finally, I question the professional organizations that the nurses, physicians, and EMT's report to in Mexico. According to the many stories and accounts that I have read from health care professionals from the US and Canada, their assessments, critical thinking skills, and interventions for individuals with vital signs are poor, unethical, and criminal!! I'm not sure how they are able to get up each morning and look at themselves in the mirror.
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January 24, 2013\ 

Name:  Nicole

I visited the Temptation Resort in Cancun Mexico Jan 16-Jan 21 and what happened there is the most horrific thing anyone should ever have to go through.  On Saturday Jan 19th after a beautiful day at the beach and pool I decide imp getting a little cold so I tell my friend lets go to the room, she was still enjoying herself in the pool with people and said she wanted to stay I argued not wanting to leave her but she stayed. About an hour later I'm asleep in the room when someone is banging on my door, I get up abruptly and open the door to security and staff saying come with them. I leave with them asking what's going on and they tell me nothing, the take me to the pool area and there are people down there and I see a body wrapped up next to the pool. I'm not thinking anything concerning me as we continue to walk. We get to the bar area of the pool and they tell me my friend had drown in the pool. I don't believe this I think they are lying to me, I'm hysterical, screaming and crying at this point still saying no she didn't drown. I then go over to the body because I'm in shock and still don't believe what they are telling me and I pull back the sheet to see my friend lying there cold and lifeless, I fell to the ground.  I was screaming and crying. The hotel staff immediately picked me up and proceeded to take me to the lobby area. I had no clue what was going on, I was in shock screaming and crying and staff were just pulling me all different ways not telling me what happened or answering any of my questions. I am immediately put on the phone with the US consulate and to be honest the conversation at that point was a blur.  After the call they take me to our room and when we get to the room there are supposed police all over our room going through things and not allowing me in.  As I stood there not knowing what was going on they started walking out one by one and one of the police had our passports in a bag.  I got scared they told me to go in my room and collect some of my belongings quickly.  I tried to ask why I could not stay in my room and where was I going and they said to another room.  They are rushing me so I throw as much as I can into my suitcase and proceed to follow them to another room in the resort.  During this whole period I'm asking questions over and over and nobody would tell me anything.  The only security I had was an amazing English couple who refused to leave my side and a guy I had met when we got there. They were arguing with the hotel staff because they were being so mean to me and I didn't do anything but just lose my friend.

So know I'm in a new room and the staff is so disrespectful that they put me in a room right above the party bar that stays open till 5am, so  they went down and complained about where they put me considering the circumstances.

So they moved me to another room.  I was still in shock, panic attacks, crying not knowing anything. The hotel people would not tell me nothing.

The English couple stayed with me and I just couldn't calm down I was hysterical, how can you calm down when this happens. I finally pass out from crying and get up the next morning hoping what happen was just a dream. It wasn't a dream it really happened. I go down to the front desk to find out what's going on, what happened, where are our passports, can I go home.

Nobody would answer anything I didn't have any money, no passport, not all of my belongings and my friend was dead.  They then tell me I cannot get my passport back until the police get my statement, so I ask when will that be and they said well its Sunday and things move slow here so I'm not sure.

They tell me to go relax in my room and when they get more information they will contact me. I go back to my room because I don't want to be anywhere else or around anyone and call the US consulate to find out what is going on and if they have info.  I continue to call the consulate every 30 minutes for info and nothing.  At this point I had no clue when I was going home, still had no information on anything that happened. I was out of my mind, scared. Finally on my 20th call to the consulate they tell me I can go to the lobby at 6 and security and staff will take me to my old room to collect mine and my friends belongings and that my passport should be in there. In the mean time my guy friend was at my door with a woman. I didn't want to talk to anyone but he was admit about me opening the door.  I let them and she told me she was one of the women who performed CPR on my friend and that she had to talk to me about what happened.  What I heard next broke my heart even more.  She told me that my friend was dancing around 10 minutes earlier and then the bartender just sped away to the pool and they pulled my friend out. This woman who was certified in CPR from the US and a nurse from Canada started CPR on my friend. She then told me that my friend was gurgling so they turned her to the side to get out the water and they continued to do this.  Then the EMT came and told them to get up. Both women swore to me that they both checked her pulse and she had one. She was still alive!  She could have been saved!  The EMT came with nothing but the clothes on his back and stood there for a few minutes and then put his head to her chest and pronounced her dead. They let her die! They did nothing to help her, this could of been prevented. My heart fell to the floor as she was telling me this, we both start sobbing.  She tells me that she wanted me to know and get her info to give to her family that something needs to be done and that she gave her her last rights. I hugged her and thanked her for trying and being brave to come and tell me this. At this time it's close to 6 when I can get escorted to my room like I'm a criminal to get my things.  Four people take me to my room and watch me collect our things and give me my passport. They do inventory on my friends belongings and then take everything to my new room.  At this point the consulate told me I would be leaving the next day to go home. Everything seemed so weird to me. While being in my room after this happened I did a lot of research on Mexico and this happens a lot. The EMT's never come with anything and let people die.

WTF is going on here. These are vacation spots and you telling me they just let people die?  And normally when something like this happens the other party usually gets detained for a few days and has to make a statement.

Funny thing the police never came back, never took my statement and it was shocking to everyone how quickly they were getting me out. At this point I just want to get home and be safe, I was to be leaving in the morning. I never left the room that day and woke the next morning to check out and go home. I went to go check out and they had no record of me and my friend even staying there anymore. All of the paperwork and proof of us being there was gone. They ripped a piece of paper said sign and go. They really want no record of what happened or me being there. This happens all the time in Mexico and things much worse. They don't want people to know what happens because it's a vacation destination. I hope someone reads this on trip advisor and every other site I put this on, people need to know that in Mexico its money for them if you die there and that this is very common.

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January 19, 2013

Name:  Amy

Someone posted a comment about a death of a woman who fell off of a balcony at the dreams resort in Puerto Vallarta on January 11th, 2013.   My friend passed away in Puerto Vallarta on that same day. I'm looking for answers and I believe these two incidents might be related. I just want to know what happened to my friend--can the person who wrote that comment be able to give any descriptions of what she looked like? Or any other information?

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January 18, 2013

Name:  Marco

my brother lived in pv for this past year, never visited, lived nor knew anything about this type of travesty. he had told me that he wanted to leave this paradise only because he worked in the timeshare/tourism business and started to see shady things and planned to be back in California this past December! he never had a chance, he would tell me of bartenders doing this, and the tourism companies would also be involved in the kidnappings of people they knew had money. the timeshares business is what finally got him kidnapped by the Nayarit police whom were collecting for the bigger guys which I choose not to mention. The owner who is a Canadian knew of this, that he would be kidnapped and as a matter of fact had info that would make her make a call to have him killed... I have allot of information on the players and has been reported to  the authorities in Nayarit but they chose not to help. the pgr is also aware of this and the Mexican consulate. I know that my brother was doing his job ,but people are dispensable and this needs to stop. Canada has an investigation going on with the Mexican government but I don’t know who to contact. after searching for months I come to find out that my brothers killer was his friend on Facebook and knew every move we were doing. and for whatever reason would give the police this info. they were working with one another and because we were causing all this attention to my brother! they killed him 3 weeks after they kidnapped him and he was in custody at the time....finally the chief told us that we should of stopped knowing too much and we mi9ght have found him alive.. we finally got his body back in a bad condition. he was assassinated....I need to talk to someone..

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January 17, 2013

Name:  Dale 
I have been coming to Puerto Penasco for years and eventually moved here. The beaches are amazing. I will not be coming back due to the crooked cops. I was driving during the day with my mother. Just like with all of the previous posts, I was pulled over. I give the police no reason to pull me over every time I am here and I have never had a problem. I don't drink and I obey all of the laws. I was on a dirt road driving out to Las Conchas. They pulled me over and said that I was driving the wrong way and told me to "follow them." I politely declined. He took his machine gun off from his shoulder and told me to give him my wallet. He took all the money out and gave it back. They think they are making money, but they are losing it. Because people like me will not be back. And my elderly mother was beyond scared.

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January 16, 2013

Name:  Gerry

Message:  January 12th 2013, Massachusetts Man dies from balcony fall.  Ruled suicide by authorities, after visiting restaurant with girlfriend.  Mark was also friends with one of the two women who drowned the week before from Massachusetts.  He had voiced concerns of taking the trip days before the incident.  Had only just arrived in Cancun the day before.

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December 19, 2012
Name:  donna

My co-worker found out on her son's Facebook page that he was dead. Someone in Mexico posted his picture. His parents contacted Mexico authorities and were told his body had been cremated. He was a volunteer English teacher. What can they do?

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November 25, 2012

Name:  David

I need help, my brother has been kidnapped, going on the 3rd week. and no one is doing anything don’t know who to trust in Mexico. I need your help and advice. Please.

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November 8, 2012

Name:  Dee

I am currently in a situation, my brother is in Amerimed he was drugged at his hotel and taken to this hospital.  The only information we can get is they need money to continue his medical care.  When we were first contacted they explained he was having seizures they were performing CPR and he was unconscious.  When I felt it was possibly a scam I told them I didn’t know they information to retrieve the money to send.  Miraculously my brother was conscious and able to speak with me.  Our phone call was monitored and limited to basic information.  I have contacted Mr. Gilbert at the consulates in Merida.  I can’t seem to get any help does anyone know of a contact that was more helpful. 

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November 8, 2012

Name:  Dee

I emailed earlier today asking for help with my brother.  I just saw the important message regarding drinks being spiked that is what has happened to my brother.  He is in Amerimed hospital and they do not want to discharge him.  I am going to try and expedite my passport through a company and go there to get him. Is there any other information you can offer to better protect myself when I arrive.  
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January 12, 2013

Name:  Deb

I just returned from vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Yesterday (friday the 11), a woman at our resort went over a balcony at 5:30 pm. She landed on a walk way and was killed.  my travel mate saw part of the fall which was from the 8th-10th floor from an elevator area balcony. It was at Dreams Resort & Day Spa.  What seems strange to us is that the incident was totally 'resolved' within  2 hours of it happening with almost all the guests at the resort oblivious thatcanything had happened. Police didnt appear to question anyone and the hotel staff said nothing. The area was shut off to people for the two hours.  Since we got home today, there just doesnt seem to be any information what so ever and the way it was handled, just doesnt sit right with us. From what we say, she was an American or Canadian woman. Any idea where the info on it might be?  It was certainly a terrible event, but just the fact that the resort appeared to just quickly get it cleaned up, seems more terrible.
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December 28, 2012

Name:  Alfredo

In October 2008 i was a victim of a shooting in Rosarito Mexico one person died and 2 of us survive being wounded by bullets of A-K47s i lost my right leg in that shooting, it's very sad to know my country is not a safe place to go anymore. I'm Hispanic and i felt the unlikeness of Americans i feel really bad that that situation my own country has brought us too. Please not all of us are the same persons. Mexico is suffering from the same predators and corrupted cops.

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December 11, 2012

Name:  BRENDA

I was slipped a spiked shot at the Carnival cruise peir Cozumel.

Thank god my husband did not take it as he pretty near carried me to the ship. I have no memory from the shot till  6 hours later at all. beware don't go to Mexico ,with all the beautiful places to go why go where it is not safe. This was in broad daylight
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November 10, 2012

Name:  quillow

I was tortured in a home invasion in baja mx k73. This incident has forever changed my life. I know have posted and am so very elated that I found this site.
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October 20, 2012

Name:  Anonymous

Hi, I'm trying to find the family of a young man who died at the Gran Bahia Principe Coba resort on or around February 27, 2012. He went into distress at the resort's swim-up pool bar at approximately 12:00 p.m. and died shortly after. He appeared to be around 22 years old, seemed to be of European origin, had a physical disability (he had a leg brace) and his father spoke very little to no English and had difficulty communicating with those around him.  A Canadian nurse and two off-duty paramedics, one from Ohio and the other from Canada, tried to help the victim after he was taken out of the pool. If you have any information about the victim, please get in touch with this site's administrators because I am anxious to contact the victim's family. Thank you
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October 6, 2012

Name:  Robert

I was robbed yesterday 10/5/2012 at 8 AM in Tijuana by the police. I just want to let you guys know I posted all the details on Tripadvisor and my post was removed within hours. I have lost some trust in Tripadvisor. I sent a message to my local Congressman about the bill. Thank you for your site. I have family in Tijuana and corruption is a way of life there. The police released me after I told them I was a US Marine. I am a veteran but I still have that military look. They ended up dropping me by the border after they took $50 or so in pesos.
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September 19, 2012

Name:  Laura

My partner and I both had plastic surgery at Perfection Clinic and almost died. My partner and I  were held hostage by the clinic and prevented us from receiving proper medical attention.  My partner contacted the American consulate who finally got us out. I spent 8 days in a real hospital and had two blood transfusions.  The Perfection clinic also hurt my back in surgery and now I have an herniated disc. Perfection fooled me an experienced RN and they fooled my partner a Chiropractic physician.  None of the websites Perfection uses  to promote their clinic will of course put my real review online.  This place is DANGEROUS!
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August 26, 2012

Name:  Patricia

I expect you have already heard of the incident, but if not, I refer you to look up (easily goggled) the details of my husband, Chris Kahr's murder during a home invasion in Ajijic on Nov. 29, 2011.  I am not really interested in giving a first-hand report, but feel sure you must have read of it.  
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August 12, 2012

Name:  Matthew

Hi there, I was researching for a friend who lost his Mom in Mexico in 2010, and found the death mentioned under MVA press section. Is there any chance this Scott person could be reached? Maybe backtracked via email? The son of the survivor of Ms. Sharon Wallace is a good friend of mine, and is still grieving over this loss, as he cannot get resolve. Thank you for anything you can do.  Best regards, Matt.

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August 5, 2012

Name:  Renee

A friend of mine who worked at the Oasis Grand Cancun was approached by narcos and told to lure three Canadian female tourists to a specific site away from the hotel zone, where they could be kidnapped. Even though he said he didn't want to get involved, they said he didn't have a choice. He knew that the situation could prove deadly for the girls and stalled, and made up excuses until the girls checked out of the hotel. The narcos watched my friend, following him home, where three men beat him severely. He told his employer at the hotel and he was promptly fired. Because he "snitched" he was targeted to be killed. He left the city.  The Canadian girls never knew how close they came to being victims.  Please warn travelers of this danger.

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August 4, 2012

Name:  Steve B

Here is my Mexico story in a nutshell.  I planned a 1 month stay vacation in Puebla to visit a friend that is a native there whom I had met through a study abroad program at my University in the U.S. several years ago.  We stayed in touch and talked almost weekly via the internet.  Knowing the area, he looked around at apartments and recommended one in a safe, secure location, fully furnished with all utilities included.  Total cost = $320 for the month.  Not a bad deal!  I was extremely surprised at the quality of the place, the furniture and how well it was maintained/cleaned.  Superfast internet (Comparable if not better then my internet speed in the U.S. was also included) - To continue with my story, over about a 2 week period I became quite familiar with the surroundings, got comfortable taking the bus around town and walking to various plazas, restaurants, etc.  One afternoon while my close friend was away at work, I ventured out to the local plaza to pick up a few items at the mercado (this place was similar concept as a walgreens but this one was about 5 times the size as a typical walgreens)-It was middle of the day, around 5PM and I walked there being sure to take the main roads where there is plenty of traffic and tons of people out and about walking around.  Well, I got to the plaza, I was thirsty and saw a mediocre looking bar/lounge wedged in between a few stores (Think strip mall concept), and decided to stop in for a cold cerveza and check out the establishment (Later to find out it was quite a sketchy place) - Shortly after sitting down, I was approached by 2 individuals (appeared to be natives but was able to speak some English) - They mentioned something along the lines of "You’re not from around here are you?" (Being Caucasian and born in the U.S. I obviously stood out) - I could tell something wasn't right with their demeanor and became a little concerned.  Now here is where things get crazy.  Next thing I know, it’s dark out, I'm outside, I feel pain but don’t know from where. I can't see, blurry vision, stumbling around, somehow there happened to be a policia vehicle driving through an unfamiliar parking lot I happened to be in (They drive with their red/blue lights on at night in marked squads so you can pick them out if  you need help), I somehow made my way to the vehicle, fell while attempting and crawled  to the passenger door of the police car and started slamming my hand against it.  Darkness...I come to in an ambulance momentarily, just enough time for me to look out the back and front windows to see us racing full speed through the streets with a police escort (Police lights and sirens 2 squad cars behind us, 2 in front)..dizzy and blackness. Come to again in a hospital.  Dr tells me I'm in really bad shape and if I have family contact info incase I don't make it.  Can't talk, enormous amounts of pain all over my body.  Well long story short, I went from the parking lot and was raced to the nearest hospital which happened to be a Military Hospital (Which is very rare since normally Mexican Military personnel only are allowed to enter as it is highly guarded.) I was somewhat stabilized and then transferred to a private hospital (Just so happened to be the best quality yet MOST EXPENSIVE Private hospital in all of Puebla) - I have no recollection of being at the military hospital by the way but this is what I was told later. All sorts of tests were done, I was in and out of consciousness for some 12-13 hours.  Turns out the popular rophynolol/date rape drug was found in my bloodstream and I somehow had a BAC level of over .30! My body was shaking uncontrollably, and they told me they couldn’t give me any more pain medicine or anything because they had maxed out (even gave extra) the dosages on several major meds through IV. I eventually started coming out of a fog but come to find myself bruised, sore all over, my wallet missing, along with my watch and cell phone yet I somehow maintained possession of my passport (Thank god). Federal detectives showed up and questioned me for all hours repeatedly asking me the same questions and all I could say was "I honestly don't know what happened. I couldn't remember a thing." I was able to call my friend who came immediately and stayed with me through the night/early morning and got to hear my agonizing moans.. As hours ticked by which seemed like days I came to realize that this might cost quite a bit and I don’t have a wallet on me.. Here's why I’m writing this. I discovered it was going to be quite pricy (is all I was told..none of the staff/doctors/nurses seemed to be able to give me even a remote estimate except "A lot"..well now having made a prior trip to a private clinic earlier in the week for a little food poisoning incident (another story) and spending only the USD equivalent of around $200, I thought a lot was going to be somewhat affordable.  Boy was I wrong. I made it clear to the doctor that I could probably only afford the 1 night because I had no money on me or credit cards and would have to borrow some from my friend, he said he thought it was a really bad idea (Which it was, as I was still shaking uncontrollably, in immense pain, couldn't hold a pen, and was diagnosed with immense inflammation of the stomach, esophagus, gall bladder, etc (Pretty much entire GI tract) - however he reluctantly agreed to later in the evening if I promised to take all the meds he prescribed and return if it became non-tolerable.  He even gave me his personal cell phone # and said to call any hour of the night if there was an emergency (Which I thought was quite nice). I know he was against discharging me, and he had good right to be but apparently he knew what was coming next..THE BILL.  Ok, all in all I spent a little under 24 hours in the hospital..I had a CT and X-ray done.  The bill came out to roughly $5000 USD! I freaked out Ok, I’m sick as he**, still shaking, throwing up, terrible anxiety and come to find out they won't let you leave until you pay IN FULL.  How the hell am I supposed to come up with $5000 with no wallet, in a foreign country at 10PM at night when a wire transfer or such is impossible, if put on a Credit card they have to physically swipe it (Sorry, no one can call it in to help you out), and the best part is that if I stay past 11:30PM, they charge me another $5000 for a 2nd night! Wow thanks guys, 1.5 hours to come up with $5K or it doubles to $10K and I’m held hostage at the hospital. (I've since read there are some legalities behind this but in Mexico they don't fear lawsuits and these specific laws against this are rarely enforced) Add on that every major area is incredibly secure with armed security at the major entrances on hidden earpiece type radios controlling access to all the patient areas (Kind of blows the idea of simply running out!) - Well thank god my friend was able to get his parents to rocket across the city in time to slap down $5K in hidden cash they had in their house, which to me is a miracle considering the average PAY in Mexico is $4.60 A DAY NOT HOUR..(Yes go ahead look it up) - So I was free to go, and the detectives made sure to remind me that these people had my wallet (which conveniently had the place I was staying at written on a piece of paper within) and that they may come to my home address.. Well thanks to spike the anxiety level a bit higher guys.. Anyway, contacted the US Embassy in Mexico, they were able to place me in a temporary housing unit for 3 days (While I recovered enough to cut my trip short and make an emergency flight out of the country.  Keep in mind at this point I was still shaking, had a handful of meds I had to take every 4 hours and was probably on the brink of death..After the pain became tolerable, the body shaking subsided, the nausea toned down I was able to change my itinerary and had the hospital fax the airline my discharge report that allowed me a reduced fare for emergency evacuation back to the U.S.,  where  I could actually use my medical insurance  (yep you guessed again, no foreign insurance accepted at private hospitals in Mexico) to get follow up care with my GI tract issue. Take this story with sincere thought and please people, be careful no matter how safe you think the area is, what time of day it is, how many people are around, etc.  If you’re a gringo (which is pretty easy to point out unless you’re of another ethnic descent than Caucasian, or you just have a really dark tan), you really need to watch yourself.  And again, be careful with healthcare.. why they chose to take me to the most expensive hospital in Mexico while I'm unconscious and unable to discuss it with them is beyond me (Sarcasm, but also probably because I was literally on the brink of death).  So watch out for those healthcare costs, be careful but most importantly be street smart and enjoy your time. The country is beautiful with a ton of history!
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July 16, 2012

Name:  Hang

We came across your website and were impressed at how you pursued big institutions fearlessly and advocated for justice even for underdogs.  We're hoping that you'll be able to advise us after reading our letter. I took my office staff and their spouses to Cancun, Mexico March 14, 2012 for a business retreat to celebrate many wonderful things:  one wedding, 65th and 50th employees' birthdays, another's loyalty to the office of over 35 years, etc.  We were all so excited because in essence we were an extended family and enjoy each other's company. The trip was purchased through Expedia and since the website didn't accommodate more than 6 passengers at a single time I booked the trip with an Expedia representative through their group vacations.  We arrived in Mexico late evening and all spent the evening having dinner together and commenting how magical this trip was to all of us and how lucky we were to experience this all together.  Before saying our good nights, we agreed to meet up for brunch the next morning.  After our meal, some of us went out to the beach to enjoy the majestic scenery.  That's when in a blink of an eye our lives were turned upside down.  Three of my assistants' spouses were standing in thigh deep water chit-chatting about each other's work when one of them was taken out to sea.  Words cannot describe the 30 minutes or so for a lifeguard to finally manage to reach Steve and then not have the ability to rescue him. In fact, one of our travel companions, Dave, swam out and reached Steve first. Resort patrons including myself were screaming at the staff to get a jet ski and after what seemed like an eternity they finally flagged down a jet ski from a nearby rental company.
We finally got Steve to shore and fortunately there was a vacationing doctor and myself, a dentist, trying our best to perform CPR. This whole time we had begged for an ambulance and it took over 45 minutes to arrive.  I've never ever sent food back even when the dish was incorrect. I've never filed any complaints. I've never sued anyone. The reason I'm writing to you is that what happened after the tragedy prompted me to become passionate and make a difference for future travelers. Accidents happen. This was not the first and unfortunately will not be the last. I want desperately to expose the abandonment, negligence, and falsification Expedia.com and their partnering companies displayed as well as the loopholes and inhumaneness in which Expedia, Virgin America, and their travel protection insurance partner BerkelyCare creates to avoid chipping into their bottom line.  I realize this is a "David vs. Goliath" case but if we continue to sweep deception under the rug then the vicious cycle will continue.  The purpose is try to make these corporations accountable for their actions if not to save another tourist but to make the process more humane for the surviving loved ones.  To make short of things, the rest of us were on the phone with Expedia and in conjunction with Virgin America, our airline provider via Expedia vacation package, for over 20 hours (Verizon and hotel phone logs will confirm) of which 99.9% of it was on hold.  When we did get an actual human representative everyone went through their robotic protocol and we were told "nothing we can do" over and over.  Here we were in a foreign country experiencing a surreal hell in paradise trying to figure out the hows, whys, whens, and whats and instead of assisting us in time of need we get answers after hours of waiting like "ok, we can book you for a ticket but for first class fees". This isn't a case of a flu and cancellation of a trip. This was an actual customer's death during the vacation. We basically did everything we could ourselves to get as many of us as possible back to the states so that Angie could tell her two sons and family members that their father passed away on their first trip alone together.  We managed to get Steve's body back home the same day with Angie so that family members could receive him at LAX. It's been months of grieving and agony.   During this tragedy everyone asked whether or not I had purchased Expedia Travel Protection and I had purchased the insurance for all 14 of us travelling but was told in Mexico via an Expedia representative that it was only for pre-trip protection which I believed. An acquaintance of Angie mentioned that this was not true. I logged on the internet and found out that what the representative told us was false. In fact, there is coverage for a variety of trip interruptions, accidents and even accidental death insurance.  I contacted BerkelyCare and the first representative I spoke to questioned why Expedia representatives didn't just tell us to call BerkelyCare.  Donna stated that they would have helped us through the whole process and taken care of everything including getting us back home, medical emergencies, processing and bringing Steve back home to the states. I was shocked. My patient had arrived and not wanting for them to wait I ask Donna if I could call her back and initiate the necessary documents. She replied that when I called back any representative would be able to assist me. Again, trusting that was the case I called back a few hours later and as an illustration of the anguish these companies continue to subject, the second representative stated that their policy does not consider us "travel companions" because we were on different itineraries. I stated that the trip was booked using Expedia group vacations and the representative stated they "have nothing to do with Expedia". Contacted Expedia and after hours on the phone and speaking to 4 different offshore representatives finally spoke to a representative in corporate and she admitted that the booking Expedia agent made a mistake but ultimately BerkelyCare is the insurer, etc.  I've omitted important details to keep the letter brief.  Why offer travel insurance for customer's to purchase if it isn't honored?  Why didn't Expedia direct us to call BerkelyCare during the initial request for help in Mexico?  Why doesn't Expedia have a protocol including having a direct line for situations that involve death to assist their customers?  Why were we placed on hold for literally 2-4 hours, redirected, disconnected, redialed again to experience the same hell?  Why were we directed to call Virgin America, their affiliate, directly who requested a faxed death certificate to just assist us in paying "first class tickets" to get back to states when we tried to explain that we were at the Mexican police station getting interrogated for the last 4 hours to relive the nightmare and coerced to sign off that it was an accident before they would release the body for processing and the agents adamantly insisting  "well, we can't help you without the death certificate"? Why would a travel company need a death certificate to book us flights?  How about when we originally book the trip?  Did we need death certificates then?  Why shoo us to the side when we showed up at the airport literally and figuratively begging to get cancelled seats and the employees shuffling us to stand off the side for over 2 hours while they accommodated Stevie Wonder and his entourage of 15 never giving us an update or letting us know our status for possible seats?  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to review our story.  I understand big corporations like Expedia have extensive legal staff and almost bullet proof contracts.  However, if we as citizens allow "Goliath" to continue to squash "David" especially in cases where a life is lost then we are no better than willing bystanders.  We felt like part of a Dali painting watching someone we cared about flailing their arms and hands for help and slowly drowning right in front of us.  This was not some alcohol or drug imbued accident. We are still recovering from the heartbreak.  We want to bring accountability and public awareness and for Expedia.com and their affiliates to realize that we were treated worse than criminals.  At least criminals have rights and are provided public assistance.

Kindest Regards,
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July 4, 2012

Name:  nick

My wife and I have traveled all over Mexico. You don t have a problem until you do have a problem. Then it morphs big time. I contracted swine flu there in 2010. This disease was rampant but no warning as given to travelers. From reading other posts I am glad I just shelled out the extra $ to get out of that country to get care in the us. I still suffer the respiratory effects of that illness.

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June 29, 2012

Name:  pin

My daughter, son-in-law and two small grandchildren just returned from a holiday in Riviera Maya - June 2012. They both worked overtime to afford the vacation and really needed a rest. They loved the resort they were on, the beach and then decided to rent a car and drive to Cancun.

Big mistake. My son-in-law could pass for a Mexican as he has dark hair and skin. My daughter is blonde and blue eyed. My son-in-law was driving the rental car and was going to make a turn and saw a sign saying it was prohibited..so proceeded straight. A police officer beckoned them over, said he was giving them a ticket. He said they would have to pay it at the downtown Cancun police station, or to him. He named a price and my family didn't have that. He lowered the price to 500 pesos and said pay me. They reluctantly gave the money (as they knew they were dealing with corruption), and my daughter said let's get out of here. Let's go back to the resort. She was so upset and frustrated and started to cry. The police officer looked at her and was stunned. "Why are you crying" he asked. My daughter said, "how am I to feed my children. I don't have lots of money." The police officer said, "stop crying..here is your money..go, go."

Then they went to the gas station to get some fuel and the attendants try to rip them off of 300 pesos of gasoline, but my daughter was in the back seat of the car and could see the amount of gas pumped. Her husband called them on this theft and they begrudgingly gave them the amount of gas they had paid for ( and showed negative attitude).

What a terrible and frightening experience for my family. They loved the beach, weather, resort and then it was spoiled by that. My husband and myself and family are totally turned off with Mexico. We went to Mazatlan 12 years ago and totally enjoyed ourselves. We did not stay on a resort, we mingled with the locals and rented a car and felt safe 100% of the time. What is happening to Mexico? I feel terrible for the citizens of that country as this is their home.

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June 25, 2012 

Name:  Jeff

We are in a contract for a timeshare in Cabo.  We have asked to get out of it because of the violence.  They say there is no violence. We have only used it one time and continued to pay. We have stopped paying now (they have gotten a lot of money from us for nothing).We are being taken to collections but it seems unfair to pay for something that we cannot use. Do you know of anything that we can do?  Very concerned and I will not take my wife or family there.
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May 28, 2012

Name:  Ginger B.

In late March 2012 I was in Puerto Vallarta at a five star property called Villa La Estansia. I am a travel agent and this was my sixth time to Mexico. I was there for work and travelling alone so clearly I stood out by myself at all inclusive. My last day there I went to the bar for a few drinks before my shuttle came since I really hadn't had a chance to enjoy myself. I went from enjoying my second drink to waking up ten hours later in a hotel room that wasn't mine with absolutely no recollection of anything in between. The entire experience was terrifying and the staff claimed I drank too much. Needless to say, there was a medical bill involved although I was refused blood and urine tests. I knew I was drugged from the second I woke up so I'm not sure what tests they billed me for! I still don't know what happened that day but there was definitely a cover up, from the resort staff to the people hosting me from Tourism Mexico. Don't believe them when they tell you someone just "got drunk". Since I've returned, our agency has had clients experience the same thing...  People get drugged everywhere but what is scary about Mexico is how quickly they will turn the victim into the "guilty party". Often it's the bartender (I'm pretty sure it was in my case) so I don't know how you're meant to protect yourself.

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May 27, 2012

Name:  MWL

I am american and have lived with my mexican husband in Tijuana for 14 yrs. Since after I married him, thinking he was a nice guy, I taught him english. he has been abusive to me, hurting, choking me, etc...but right now I am going to send you my info, in case he kills me. I am partially disabled woman age 50. He works in San Diego yet I have no access to enough money to leave him and no way to leave or divorce. I am being terrorized more the older I get. Just last night he slammed my face very hard into the door. Today I left my bedroom to use the bathroom and he became angry again and tried to push me out of the bathroom slamming the door in my face. Right now I have 2 black eyes w/hematomas. He will not leave nor give me the means to leave. He says it is my fault that he beats me. I met him in 1997 at which time we lived in the US and he did not abuse  me until I married him. Now I am trapped at his mercy, of which he has none, I have begged him on my hands and knees to please stop hurting me, but he drinks and comes home and does. He buys what is needed for the home, but I have no access to any of his 5 bank accounts. Please help me what can I do? I don't speak spanish or I would have a restraining order to protect myself. I cross the border for work, and have nowhere in the US to go for safety. My mother is too old to help me and the people here hate me, they do nothing when I cry out for help. Please pray for me that I don't end up like Nolan. Thank you so much for this website, but they need to have help here for americans. I married him under CA law then he moved me here so I could not get help or access to any of "His" money. He is working under the table and makes money, but won't give me a divorce. I feel kidnapped. 15 years soon, I am afraid I will die here.
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April 2 2012

Name:  Tim G.

My cousin, Robbie Hill, age 53 died 2 days ago at a pool in Cozumel in 3 feet of water. They pulled the plug in him WHILE STILL ALIVE  after 3 hours without telling or consulting with ANY FAMILY MEMBERS. His wife left the hospital for 20 mins and when she got back the ventilator was turned off and husband dead.  Now having trouble getting him and wife out of Mexico.

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March 21 2012

Name:  Nicole

On Monday march 19th Wendell Flemister and his youngest son were swimming at the beach in front of the ritz Carlton resort in cancun. Apparently they were caught in a rip current and Wendell was unable to fight it. He was pulled in by the resort "lifeguard" who began to Perform CPR incorrectly and water continued to pour from his mouth. Wendell died that day as they waited 30 minutes for an ambulance and left behind 2 sons, a wife, a brother and sister and both of his parents. Please don't take your family to Mexico!!! They care nothing for us gringos

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March 11 2012

Name:  Concerned Traveler

We read in the local Cancun newspapers in Jan 2012 of a death of Paul Biteb of New York from a balcony fall at the Riu, wondering why no news in the states about this.

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March 6, 2012

2011 in Zihuatanego, Mexico man pulled a gun on my wife and relieved her of her purse. Not realizing he had a gun I took after him and ran him out of gas to the point he dropped the purse. I stopped and picked it up, he stopped, said something in spanish, pulled the gun from his pants, aimed and fired. We were 20 feet apart; luckily he was a bad shot and missed. The shooter took off again; the police did nothing. This happened 100 yards from the Intrawest compound in a very good area of Zihu where there was a guard. There are many of these events that never get recorded. Be careful in Mexico. Better to avoid it completely.

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March 6, 2012

Name:  Angela

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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Name:  Diane

After reading about the recent advisory to "Not Travel to Mexico, and their Resorts" I feel I must cancel our 2011 Senior Spring Break Trip, organized by a local tour agency. The past and the most recent news from Cancun, Mexico absolutely scares me to death! I will not put my daughter and myself in harms way...With State and Federal agencies warning to "not" vacation in Mexico broadcast on CNN and Fox, why would they allow travel agencies  to continue booking Senior trips and flights to Mexico. I asked my travel agency several questions about our safety, and her reply was this, "the murders are taking place a thousand miles away from our "Lock down resort" and not worry"...she sent a message letting me know the cancellation policy was in force!! I did not even mention about not continuing our trip, set for March 19, 2011. Profit over security, how sad!  What are your suggestions? I need answers...apparently I've lost 3,000 dollars to this agency, who is placing our children and parents in harms way. Please advise. My contact number and email enclosed.

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March 3, 2012

Name:  missy

I have just come back from being in cancun for 2 weeks with my mother, I’m 35, and a medic on Alberta oil rigs.  While at an all inclusive hotel I was drugged, I went out to meet a gf at the hotel bar and I don’t even remember leaving my hotel room to meet her that night, my mom would’ve never let me leave the room if she thought I was drunk, as I had had 2 drinks with dinner ,...I saw the girl the fallowing day and she said we talked for about 30 mins and I never drank anything there, and a few days later a couple called me over to see how I was doing as they met me that night as well...I don’t even rem talking with them , they said I never drank with them either. I was found by security at 11:45 pm swimming in the ocean in front of our beach naked !...they could not find my clothes or purse anywhere...I filled a complaint with the hotel and still have the records, but they did nothing about it. I’m just very glad that a decent security guy found me and wrapped a towel around me and took me to my room, I could’ve been raped or killed or drowned feb 2 2012

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March 3, 2012

Name:  Aurora

The following tale should be a  word of caution on Mexican private medical clinics. In August 2008 my mother, a Mexican citizen, fell ill and was taken to Hospital Merlos, a private clinic in Colonia El Caracol, in Mexico City. She controlled the family assets. My brother, Ernesto Arrioja Juarez, conspired with medical and nursing staff to kidnap her from the hospital. He and his wife Lilia Garcia Luna wanted to take her to their home to exercise control over her and become universal inheritors of the family assets. I realized the plot and interfered with it. On the fourth night I had been by my mother's bedside, my brother brought a number of people in the hospital after visit hours, including what seemed to be a Public Notary legal team. Medical staff was about to inject my mother with a non-identified intravenous drug when I realized that there was a plot going on and I was alone, at the mercy of this crowd. I fled. I took a plane back home that same night. I must have been an element in the plot, because nothing else happened that night, other than my brother and his wife were extremely upset by my leaving. My mother died in that clinic three weeks later. The death report was signed by the internal medicine specialist, who I believe was helping my brother to subdue our mother. I believe that at least one of the several reported causes of death, multiple pulmonary stroke, cannot be confirmed without an autopsy: to my knowledge, there wasn't one. My advice to travelers is: don't go to Mexico, if you can avoid it. Hospitals are not safe, neither private nor public. A sick or injured person is in a very vulnerable position and one cannot know when medical attention may be required. Do not take chances with your life. As for reporting to the police, the lawyer who was going to help me get legal custody of my mother during her sickness urged me not to do it as I was on my way to the police station. After my mother's death, another lawyer recommended me the same. Both lawyers advised that the police would simply reversed the charges to accuse me of the crimes I wanted to denounce. That is another reason not to go to Mexico: the police will not only not help you in case of need, but they shall extort you and even attack or beat you up. I hope that readers will heed my story and keep safe.

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February 22, 2012

Name:  Shelley  

I just got home last night from P.V.  Was in a house on the beach at the north end of Sayulita around 11AM on Wednes when a couple from Minnesota came to the house next door where others in our wedding group were staying. They were being mugged and the guy got shot right through the torso.  This happened right beside the house on a trail to the beach. I went down a while later and by then the cops were there and the guy was loaded into the ambulance.  This helped me decide to come home 2 days early.

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January 18, 2012

Name:  Gineen

I am writing to see if you would have any resources or recommendations to aid in finding Justice for SGT. Joseph Bitet.  He was killed in Cancun on Jan 7th of this year at the Riu Cancun the sister hotel to where he was staying.  Police have been of no assistance to us in this investigation.  They clam he was alone and fell from the 5th floor (window in the stair well) but from security videos just released he was with another unknown person.  Joey and this other man met in the lobby of the hotel and after speaking for a few minutes entered the elevator together.  7 minutes later another person ran into the lobby to report seeing someone fall.  We are still trying to obtain the names of the people who witnessed his fall which the hotel and police will not give to us or his family. We are also trying to find out who this Mystery person is and why they were not questioned.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Also if you have any recommendations on private investigators we would appreciate it.

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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 outwww.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....”

Not only was I a witness to this tragic event, it was my brother and I who assisted in the rescue of this man. My brother being the ‘so called guest who attempted CPR.’ I came across this site when in Mexico in October after Mickey Goodwin died, to try and get some closure, by seeing if this was a common occurrence. This is my recap of the EXACT events that happened that fateful day. I witnessed an American man by the name of Mickey Goodwin, from Texas - drown in the highly volatile seas. He and a friend DID ignore all warnings to swim but decided to venture into the seas at their own risks after consuming what is to be considered a vast quantity of alcohol, rescuers including my medical student brother were able to save the first man unfortunately the second man, Mickey was unable to be revived after being pulled from the stormy waves. I just happened to be filming the stormy weather as I am a filmmaker / photographer and was interested in the hurricane and how it would affect our hotel. My brother and I had been capturing the climate to show family members back home in England as we had never witnessed such an event. As soon as we came away and saw both of the men struggling we ran over to help. My brother stripped down to his underwear and jumped straight in but the waves were to powerful and just kept pushing him back to shore. (The current in this section of the beach was strong, given the impending hurricane it was even more powerful and the hotel had warned not to venture into the waters with posters all around the hotel surroundings.) My brother and I along with other hotel guests and hotel staff used a rope supplied by the hotel itself (so the hotel did take every effort to help these men) to help both men back to shore, unfortunately due to the strong currents and the ever tiring struggle of both men, this attempt failed. I myself ran around to members of the hotel to help in the rescue attempt, then a HOTEL WORKER risked his own life to swim out to the first man and amazingly and heroically managed to bring him back to shore. Luckily this man was a strong swimmer and had not ventured out beyond his depth. He was deemed medically fit and he walked off to his worrying partner. The hotel staff member then risked his own life a second time and swam what was 200 ft to the second man, who yes was consistently going under wave after wave and looked like he had unfortunately lost his fight with the sea. Nevertheless he was finally brought back to the shore where my brother started CPR (The only medical trained professional able to help) He did everything he could getting other guests to help him as he consistently and effortlessly struggled to revive the man for over 30 minutes. Exhausted yet determined my brother worked until the paramedics arrived just shy of 40 minutes later (the 40 minute wait was atrocious). Where it was confirmed the man was dead. He was covered immediately. Unfortunately I captured the tragic drowning on film accidently as my camera had been left on record whilst I helped in the rescue from when we had been filming the waves. So there is no denying these events and how they took place. It’s a shame that a user of your website has left a false statement based on rumor rather than actual witness accounts. I would not be so bothered by this if my brother and I were not so directly involved. I can confirm that there were Red flags everywhere and signs around the hotel detailing that the sea was unsafe and that guests of the hotel should remain indoors until the hurricane had passed. There were NO lifeguards on duty that day because they were busy taking in their lifeguarding towers so the hurricane would not destroy them – The beach was being prepared for the hurricane all beds and wooden structures were being removed as were sunbeds and other hotel peripherals. Also it should be said that the beach he drowned on was a public beach and all efforts made by the hotel and its staff were off their own backs. The staff made every effort to help they closed all outside areas of the hotel and every member of staff possible came to aide in the rescue. I am horrified this event happened and cannot possibly imagine the pain felt by the family, I only witnessed his wife as she watched the event unfold. No one should ever have to witness such tragedy, and I will never forget the sound of her screaming. But I can’t stand reading that the hotel was to blame, I agree Mexico is a very flawed country and I witnessed some horrific things and believe every story on this site to be totally true and that saddens me deeply. But truth and fairness must be shown where possible too. Not only was my family’s vacation ruined by this event, my brother and I were deeply scarred by this drowning and even though he is trained to deal with events such as these no one can prepare you for such trauma. To see a man lose his life after you try so hard to save him, well words cannot describe. I won’t lie also there was a lot of anger in part by those who assisted in the unsuccessful revival of Mickey Goodwin and the rescue of his friend. As they had been drinking from the early morning and were heard shouting and bragging they could out swim the hurricane. Putting others through pain because of their foolishness, many guests and staff put their lives at risk in the water to help save these men and that cannot be overlooked. I’m not sure what can be gained from my messaging you, mainly I just want the comment posted from concerned bmore to be amended or removed due to being based on rumor and not eye witness account like he states, because the person who has told him of such events clearly wasn’t present like my brother and I were, and if proof were needed there is photographic evidence that can be supplied although I would like to forget and move on. I’m still haunted by this event and have and will find it hard to ever go in the sea again. My brother and I spent the next few days following the drowning crying and feeling very depressed, our trips were cancelled due to the weather but in all honestly we weren’t in the mood to have partook in them, weather permitting or not. Hopefully this message doesn’t come across as selfish as it is not intended to be, I understand that those writing on this site have lost loved ones and my heart goes out to you all, especially given the circumstances surrounded the tragic deaths. Mexico is a shady country and the fact the paramedics took 40 minutes to turn up only verifies that it’s corrupt and needs investigation. But like I said the hotel did everything it could including taking full statements from my brother and I. I for sure won’t be visiting the country again. I didn’t feel safe outside of the hotel and found the people to be very intimidating. If you need any more info do not hesitate to contact preferably by email but by phone if necessary. ************** 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 ************** 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. ************** 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. ************** Name: Anonymous November 16, 2010 ************** 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. ************** 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:  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
**************

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.

**************

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.  
**************

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.

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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.

**************

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. 
**************
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.

**************

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.
**************

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

I was leaving by foot from Club Manana in the Zona Romantico area at approximately 2:00 am in the morning with a friend who was also part of my group. He was staying at The Blue Chairs hotel. My friend said he knew how to get back to the hotel by foot and that it was fairly close so we decided to walk. Many others were leaving the hotel on foot at that hour and the discos in Puerto Vallarta don’t really start gearing up until after midnight. We made a stop for food at a 7/11 type store called “Oxxo” near the hotel. After leaving Oxxo, which was only 3 blocks from my hotel, in the heart of the tourist area, we weren't exactly sure which direction our hotel was in. We were crossing the street not sure if we needed to make a right or a left. Within moments, a white truck with an open back came by with two gentlemen. My friend thought they were stopping to help give us directions. I asked for directions to The Blue Chairs. I can't recall what they said and because I do not speak Spanish, I didn't grasp what they were trying to tell us. My friend thought they were asking to give us a ride in their truck to the hotel. I wouldn't have accepted one even if that were the case. Within minute or two, a police car came from the other direction. Two or three policemen came out, started to question us, and go thru our possessions for no apparent reason. There were now a total of five policemen on the scene detaining us from going back to our hotels. (The white truck, mentioned in the paragraph above was not marked as a police truck to the best of my recollection but contained two policemen in uniform which was very obvious when they stepped out to join the police officers that exited the car). The police car had its red and blue lights flaring. I was asked for identification so I gave the officer my driver’s license from my small wallet where I kept my paper money. He looked at it and I motioned for him to give it back to me. He then asked me to put my hands up on the side of the truck where he opened all of the pockets in my cargo shorts. He began removing the contents partially with my assistance and also on his own. These shorts have ten pockets in total and I had items in about six of the ten pockets. I was fearful that I would not see my driver’s license again, in addition to my other property and had no idea what may occur next knowing there was absolutely no reason to have been stopped and searched to begin with. The officer took out the case for my glasses, my hotel room key, my camera, my bottle of Visine for my eyes, and then took out my wallet and counted all of the individual bills in front of me which was rather unsettling. I watched every move he made and was terrified with what was transpiring. He had no reason to stop me, let alone check my clothing, open my pockets, and feel my clothing with his hands. Knowing I was not carrying anything illegal, I was concerned that the police may try to plant something on me. All of their actions were highly suspicious. It was clearly apparent that this was not a case of the police searching me for drugs which was obvious when they counted my money in front of me, peso by peso, both my paper bills and coins. My friend was not next to me but was nearby and was receiving a similar interrogation from one of the other officers. It is important to note that I was totally sober, having no alcohol, only Diet Coke from 4:00 in the afternoon until late that evening. My speech was not incomprehensible, I was not staggering in my walk, and was totally coherent. There was absolutely no reason to be stopped and harassed in this manner. My friend and I were detained for about 10 minutes when they finally let us go. He walked me to the corner of my hotel. I was feeling horrified and humiliated. He proceeded to go to his hotel, the Blue Chairs. I told the man on duty at the desk of the Abbey what just occurred and he asked me if I had the police cars numbers or officer’s names. Needless to say, I had no pen, and couldn't even think straight about what was happening let alone get any identifying information. He made a report in a log book that is kept at the hotel desk. I was never told my rights from the police officers, told why I was being searched, or given explanation at all. I am a U.S. Citizen, and being in a foreign country and not speaking the language, I felt I had better cooperate with the police since I had no clue what may transpire next. When I got back to my hotel room, I checked all of my possessions and realized everything was intact, including my cash as I was very careful to watch the actions of the police officer go thru all of my bills. The next morning, my friend who was staying at the Blue Chairs, checked his wallet was not as lucky. He knew what he had in his wallet before leaving the club and when he checked the next morning, most of his money was gone. I have to say that I have lived and traveled around the world for the past 30 years and have NEVER experienced anything quite like this in my life. If I had even one more incident like this during this trip, I would have been on the next flight back to New York. I can safely say I can't consider going back to Puerto Vallarta again the way that I am feeling right now. This has truly been a traumatic experience and not something I would ever anticipate happening to me on vacation. I was made to feel like a criminal and it was embarrassing, humiliating, and possibly the worst travel experience I have had in my fifty one years of living. I called the U.S. Consulate to report the incident within 48 hours, while still in Puerto Vallarta. The first question I was asked by the assistant to the Consular, Kelly Trainer was “Is this the same gentleman who called last week?” I replied “I just arrived 2 days ago”. Clearly, this is not an isolated occurrence. This is not a good indication for future visitors to this city or to any of my family members or friends in New York that I may choose to tell about incident. I also reported this to the manager of the Blue Chairs hotel. I prefer not to take this story any further to the Mexican Consulate in New York, or any of the gay hotel travel organizations, etc. I don’t believe this was a gay hate crime as there are 25 gay clubs in Puerto Vallarta. I am told that the police are tolerant about it. I believe it was a clear case of police corruption. They thought they had an opportunity to make some money late at night, no questions asked. I am very stressed about this and even though I try not to think about it, it was on my mind all during my vacation. It is one thing if I was doing something wrong, but I was with another tourist in a tourist area, 3 blocks from my hotel and am the least likely candidate that should be stopped and harassed. If it is unsafe (unsafe from the police) to walk 3 blocks away from the hotel at night, I think the guests need to be told this. Near the same street where this incident occurred there were drunken men, prostitutes, and other unsavory characters. These are the people you should need to worry about in the vicinity of the tourists. I look to the police for safety, protection, and guidance, and now this has completely turned my thinking upside down during my stay in Puerto Vallarta and has made this tourist paranoid of the police here. This is very wrong.

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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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