The devastated parents of two Australian brothers who were allegedly murdered during an overseas surfing trip have set up a foundation in their honour.
Brothers Jake, 31, and Callum Robinson, 32, and their American partner Jack Rhoad, 30, went missing while in Mexico’s Baja California province on April 27.
Their bodies were discovered at the bottom of a coastal camp 15 metres deep a week later, where they were last seen following a large-scale police operation.
Nearly $350,000 was raised to help the men’s parents, Martin and Debra, who revealed the money has been used to create a foundation to honor their sons.
The heartwarming update was shared by Perth-based non-profit group Indian Ocean Paddlers on behalf of the Robinsons on Monday.
The group was among thousands of donors who supported the family to help with costly expenses, including repatriation and funeral costs.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we have received in Australia. We want you to know that the funds raised will be used for a variety of philanthropic activities that will honour Callum and Jake,” the couple wrote.
‘To drive this initiative forward, we have set up a foundation in honour of Callum and Jake and will be led by people with a wealth of experience in caring for others.’
Martin and Debra Robinson (pictured center) have created a foundation to honor their beloved children.
‘Although it is early days, we hope to have a website available soon that will provide information on how your valuable donation money will be spent.’
The devastated parents raced to Mexico to identify their children’s bodies after their deaths.
Police said Jake and Callum were shot after they tried to fight off thieves who allegedly tried to steal tires from their truck.
Worried family and friends raised the alarm when the brothers stopped posting on social media and failed to check in at the Airbnb they had booked in the nearby beach resort town of Rosarito.
Three Mexican citizens were arrested for their deaths.
Among them are Jesús Gerardo, his brother Cristian Alejandro and Gerardo’s girlfriend, Ari Gisel, 23.
Jake (pictured right) and Callum (pictured left) Robinson, aged 30 and 32, and their American partner Jack Rhoad, 30, went missing while in the Baja California province of Mexico on 27 April.
Prosecutors previously alleged in an Ensenada court that Gerardo had driven his girlfriend’s car to the area where Jake, Callum and Mr. Rhoad were camping.
He later allegedly ambushed the trio before Gerardo and his brother were arrested a short time later.
Gerardo is the only person charged with forced kidnapping in the killings. He has not yet entered a plea, but his charges are expected to be upgraded to murder.
He will remain in custody until November, when he must appear before the court again.
Jake and Callum were buried at a private service in Sorrento, north-west of Perth, in June.
The brothers, who graduated from school, went on to forge successful careers.
Callum was an accomplished lacrosse player who represented Australia and played professionally in the USA.
Mr and Mrs Robinson said the funds raised will be used for a variety of philanthropic activities that will honour Callum (pictured left) and Jake (pictured right).
Jake was a doctor and was about to start a new job at a hospital on the other side of the country, in Geelong, southwest of Melbourne.
His mother urged mourners attending the memorial service to honor her sons in their own way.
“We have cried many tears and we will cry many more… We miss you beyond description,” she said.
