Callum and Jake Robinson parents share grief after Mexico murders

“Our hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us,” she said.

Debra paid tribute to Rhoad, a close friend of the brothers who had travelled with them from the United States.

“They were young men enjoying their passion of surfing together,” she said.

A young doctor, Jake had travelled to North America to meet Callum for a two-week holiday. The brothers had attended Coachella music festival in the United States before their surfing trip in Baja California.

Debra said they had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support they had received from people in the US and Australia.

“We know that they were truly loved and impacted many people’s lives,” she said.

A professional lacrosse player, Callum had been living in California for several years pursuing his sporting career.

Jake was due to start a position at a hospital in Geelong on his return to Australia.

Debra said Callum, nicknamed Big Koala, was a “larger-than-life character” who always found time to coach junior lacrosse teams, even while representing Australia. She said Jake was a “gentle and compassionate soul”.

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More than 100 people gathered for a vigil in San Diego this week. In Mexico, members of the surfing community took to the streets, demanding more be done to keep them safe, in solidarity with the brothers.

Three people have been arrested over the Perth brothers and Rhoad’s deaths. One of the men was charged on Saturday with the equivalent of kidnapping. The investigation in Mexico is ongoing.

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