American man VANISHES and Canadian friend washes up dead in popular Mexico beach
Authorities said Braydon Bretzer, a 31-year-old resident of Saskatoon, Canada, and Chris Ankele, 40, from the United States, were seen in waters considered unsafe for swimmers in Oaxaca, on Mexico's southern Pacific coast about 600 miles from the border with Guatemala.
At one point, Bretzer and Ankele were seen pulled away by a current and drifted out into the sea before vanishing off Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido, authorities said.
An Oaxaca Civil Protection unit and lifeguards initiated a search and rescue mission but were unable to locate them.
Video footage filmed Monday afternoon showed the moment Bretzer's body was spotted floating in the water as a search and rescue boat approached.
Bretzer is thought to have drowned, while Ankele's body had not been recovered as of Thursday.
'Search efforts continue to determine the whereabouts of the second tourist, following the protocols established in the sea search plan,' the San Pedro Mixtepec mayor's office said in a statement.
'The municipal government reiterates its commitment to addressing this emergency and maintains ongoing coordination with state and federal authorities.'
San Pedro Mixtepec called on tourism businesses to remain vigilant about the weather conditions.
It also warned locals and tourists to keep their distance from the sea and to adhere to the instructions of the city's lifeguards.
Although Zicatela Beach is widely considered one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido. It's not ideal for swimming but is a favorite spot for surfers because of its massive waves.
In April, 22-year-old Miguel Robles drowned at the beach and his brother Benjamín Robles, 26, was rescued.
In May 2023, Andra Kitsu, a 33-year-old visiting from Romania, drowned at the beach despite warning flags that reminded visitors not to enter the water.
The body of Canadian national Braydon Bretzer (pictured) was recovered Monday afternoon, a day after he and his American friend, Chris Ankele, were swept by a current while swimming at Zicatela Beach. Authorities have yet to locate Ankele
Bretzer, who used to coach youth soccer, had been working as a freelance marketing consultant, according to his LinkedIn page.
His friend, Graeme Bouvier, set up a fundraiser via Go Fund Me to help his family repatriate his remains to Canada.
'Braydon's sudden passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him,' Bouvier wrote.
'Braydon lived life to the fullest. He had a contagious energy, and a heart that made space for everyone. He was loved by many — he made people feel seen, valued, and cared for.'
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