Canadian man's body washes up at popular Mexican beach as friend remains missing
Braydon Bretzer of Saskatoon was spotted in choppy waters considered unsafe for swimmers
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The body of a Canadian man has been recovered while his American friend remains missing after the pair disappeared from a popular tourist beach in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Braydon Bretzer, 31, of Saskatoon, and Chris Ankele, 40, of the U.S., were spotted in the choppy waters that were considered unsafe for swimmers, the U.K. Sun reported.
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Canadian man's body washes up at popular Mexican beach as friend remains missing Back to video
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The two men were last seen off Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido on the country’s southern Pacific coast when they were pulled away by a strong current, authorities said.
A local Oaxaca Civil Protection unit and a team of lifeguards launched a search-and-rescue mission but they were unable to find the men.
Video footage filmed on Monday showed a body floating in the water as an emergency boat approached.
Bretzer died due to drowning, according to initial reports.
Ankele has yet to be found.
“Search efforts continue to determine the whereabouts of the second tourist, following the protocols established in the sea search plan,” the San Pedro Mixtepec mayor’s office said in a statement on Thursday.
“The municipal government reiterates its commitment to addressing this emergency and maintains ongoing coordination with state and federal authorities.”
A GoFundMe has been launched for Bretzer’s family as tributes for the former youth football coach and freelance marketing consultant poured in.
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“On the night of May 25th, we lost a very special friend, brother, son and teammate,” reads the donation page.
“Braydon’s sudden passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
It continued: “Braydon lived life to the fullest. He had a contagious energy, and a heart that made space for everyone. He was loved by many — he made people feel seen, valued, and cared for.”
The fundraiser has raised more than $20,000 as of Friday afternoon.
The family noted that any excess donations would go to charities Braydon loved.
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