American Family Faces Heartbreaking Event in Mexico: Help for Teen Needed

White candle and calla lily on wooden surface.

A tragic vacation in Mexico led to death and injury, leaving a Chicago family shattered and desperately seeking help.

At a Glance

  • An American boy is critically injured, two family members dead in a Durango, Mexico assault.
  • The attack occurred during a birthday trip, leaving the family in deep grief.
  • Authorities in Mexico are investigating; however, no suspects have been identified.
  • Efforts are underway to return the injured teen to the U.S. for medical care.

Assault in Mexico

On December 27, a Chicago family’s vacation turned tragic when they were assaulted while traveling in Durango, Mexico. The attack on the family, driving an SUV with Illinois plates, resulted in the deaths of Vicente Peña Rodríguez, 38, and his brother Antonio Fernández Rodríguez, 44, along with Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre, 22, a Mexican relative. Jason Peña, the teenager, was severely injured.

The incident took place near Las Palmas while the family was celebrating Jason’s birthday. According to reports, the victims were discovered with gunshot wounds next to their SUV on the Francisco Zarco highway. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico later confirmed the deaths of the two American citizens and is aiding the victim’s family. Jason was airlifted to Houston for urgent medical treatment, accompanied by his mother, Rosy Cabral.

Ongoing Challenges

The family currently endures the pain of mourning combined with the struggle to find better care for Jason, who remains in a medically induced coma. Plans exist to transfer him to Chicago when his condition allows. “His heart was still beating,” stated local activist Julie Contreras, working with the U.S. State Department to return the teenager to the U.S.

The unfortunate incident is linked to the growing crime in Durango, attributed to conflicts between cartels and government forces. Despite Mexican authorities’ investigations, the motive for the attack remains unclear. Adding weight to the moment, Vicente Peña expressed his devastation saying, “They wiped out my entire family.”

Call for Support

As Jason’s family embarks on this challenging journey, they call on community and governmental assistance. United Giving Hope, along with U.S. officials, focuses on helping Rosy Cabral, a nurse, in raising funds to move Jason for better medical care. Family members also undertake efforts to bring the bodies of Vicente Peña Jr. and Fernández to Chicago for their burial.

“As you can only imagine, this is a nightmare for his mother. And right now, what we’re trying to do is provide that advocacy and security” – Julia Contreras

Recent attacks against Americans in Mexico underline a worrying trend, as seen with fatal assaults and kidnappings in previous months. The U.S. State Department’s Level 2 advisory for Mexico advises increased caution due to prevalent violent crimes. Still, hopes remain that the Peña family’s ordeal will underscore the urgency of bolstering safety measures for American visitors.

Sources:

  1. American Teenager Fighting for His Life After Ambush in Mexico Kills 3
  2. Americans shot in Mexico: 3 dead, teen in coma after being found with gunshot wounds in Durango, circumstances still unknown – 6abc Philadelphia

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