Local surf photographer Randy Dible reflects on a narrowly avoided tragedy after he was invited but could not join a surf trip to Mexico where three surfers, including his new acquaintances from Ocean Beach, were brutally murdered. The victims, Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, along with American Jack Carter Rhoad, were found dead last week, sparking international shock and sorrow.
Dible, a longtime resident and photographer in Ocean Beach, recalls meeting Callum Robinson less than a month ago at his photo booth on Newport Avenue. Their conversation revealed shared connections and proximity in Ocean Beach, leading to an invitation for Dible to join the surf expedition to Mexico. However, due to other commitments, Dible did not go, a decision that likely saved his life.
The loss has deeply affected the local community and the international surfing world. The parents of the Robinson brothers, Martin and Debra Robinson, have publicly identified their sons’ bodies and are grappling with the immense grief of their loss. Emily Horwath, Callum Robinson’s girlfriend, shared a heartbreaking final voicemail from him, underlining the personal tragedy of the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the killings as every parent’s “worst nightmare.” Speaking from Perth, where the Robinson family resides, he conveyed his condolences and highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy.
Initial investigations by Mexican authorities suggest that the surfers were targeted for their vehicle, a theory supported by the circumstances found at the crime scene near their camping site. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists and travelers in certain regions of Mexico, prompting calls for increased precautions and awareness.
As the community mourns, questions about the safety of international travel destinations for surfers and tourists persist. The incident has not only left a void in the lives of those who knew the victims but also serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can accompany overseas adventures
