Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman, two Australian surfers who were killed in Mexico during a robbery gone awry.
Tragedy struck the hearts of two Western Australia families a few weeks ago, when reports broke that two surfers had gone missing. Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas were driving through Mexico, with plans to arrive in Guadalajara on November 21st. But soon after they never arrived, their van was found burnt to a crisp and the worst was expected.
It was later confirmed by DNA tests that the bodies burned inside the vehicle belonged to Coleman and Lucas. Mexican police investigated the case, arresting a few suspects, and finding out the horrific details of what went down. According to reports, the suspects posed as police officers in an attempt to rob Coleman and Lucas. When they refused, one of the suspects, “shot a long-haired tourist in the face.” They killed the other Australian as well, then drove the car to a secluded area and set it on fire.
Since the tragedy, memorial paddle outs have been held and the families of Lucas and Coleman have traveled to the scene of their deceased kin. And despite the painful loss, both of the families have issued extremely heartfelt statements:
STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF ADAM COLEMAN
On behalf of Adam Coleman, our beautiful son, we would like to thank everyone for this fitting tribute. As a surfer he would be absolutely gobsmacked by all this attention.
The love and solidarity shown towards us as this time is heartwarming and a comfort so massive it cannot be fully explained by words.
Our love goes out to the family of Dean Lucas, Adam’s friend to the end and his most loyal surfing companion. We have been thrown together in the most tragic circumstance but are coping mainly due to a sense of friendship and being guided by our sons’ hearts.
Adam was a world citizen who loved everybody and was always looking at the bright side of everything. He loved Mexico and the Mexican people and would not want anything detrimental said about them.
The hospitality of the people of Sayulita has been remarkable and again we are indebted forever.
Personal thanks to the Sayulita families for providing a roof over our heads and healing space, but more importantly for their love and kindness.
Love and peace to everyone.
Zena and Andy
STATEMENT FROM THE LUCAS FAMILY & JOSIE COX
Dean was a beautiful, gentle, talented soul who was a remarkable listener and observer. He was a kind man with simple, honest values that came from the open-minded parenting and upbringing he experienced his entire life. His thoughtful, caring actions showed me that one person really can make a difference, as he did in my life. Dean taught by his example, that with compassion, you can touch many lives, in many ways. He was my best friend, lover, partner, guide and companion, and my biggest inspiration for being a better person.
Dean and Adam loved Mexico and had traveled here many times; they both spoke Spanish fluently. Despite the horror that befell them, they would want the world to know that they – and we – believe that the majority of Mexico is not a violent land, and that the country and the people do not live in fear, chaos or insecurity. Mexico is full of friendly, warm and caring people and unfortunate tragedies such as this can happen anywhere in the world.
The overwhelming compassion, support and generosity of so many strangers has given us the motivation to carry on Dean and Adam’s memory in a positive way to inspire others. As such, we’ve teamed with Share the Stoke Foundation to set up programs in Mexico and Australia to bring surfboards and surf lessons to underprivileged children in those areas.
The Lucas family, the Cattermole family, myself and Andrea Gomez would like to thank all the local and international organizations and people involved in the safety, comfort and help given to all of us, and for the beautiful and positive memorial tribute for Dean and Adam happening today. The kindness, generosity and condolences from everyone have helped us tremendously through this difficult and challenging time. In particular, we want to say gracias to the Mexican National Surfing Federation and Luis Skeen de Alba, Sayulita Surf Association and Kalle Cardanza, Kelly Kingston and Share the Stoke Foundation, the Sinaloa State Surf Association and Janet Blaser, and the two generous families who have made our stay in Mexico extremely comfortable.
Dean would be incredibly proud of how strong we’re trying to be. He would also appreciate so much the overwhelming and heartfelt support from his brothers and sisters in the international surf community, and the love being sent from so many other people, all around the world, as well. On his behalf we want to say thank you, one more time.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dean and Adam’s family and friends.
