A California couple vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, witnessed a fatal crocodile attack on Friday, June 26, 2026. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time at Marina Vallarta Beach, according to Jalisco State Police, as reported by NBC 4 Los Angeles.
Victim Identified and Attack Details
The victim, a 28-year-old Mexican man who had come to town for work, was attacked while in the water. His body was discovered the next morning, police said, without providing further details. CBS News in Los Angeles posted video footage of the crocodile shortly after the attack, showing the reptile in the area.
Jamie Yetter and Chris Bury, from San Clemente, California, were staying at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa to celebrate their daughter's high school graduation. They heard screaming from the water and rushed to help. Bury told CBS, "I was in the water up to my waist and he was maybe 20 feet away and I threw the life preserver and he was in shock. He was flailing. Long story short, I hopped in the kayak and by the time I got to him it dragged him under and that was it. He was gone after that."
Eyewitness Accounts of the Crocodile
Yetter described the crocodile's size to ABC News: "The size of this crocodile, I mean, his head was as long as my torso, his tail thicker than my legs. He was just turning him, taking him under." The area is home to the American crocodile, which can grow up to 16 to 19 feet long, according to experts.
Beach Reopened Without Warning
Despite the attack, the beach reopened the next morning. Yetter expressed concern to CBS: "They didn't tell anyone it was dangerous. They didn't tell us we shouldn't go swimming. Even the next morning, I went down to the ocean. I assumed the beach would be closed. The beach wasn't closed. There wasn't 'no swimming' signs."
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa issued a statement to ABC News: "The safety and security of our guests and associates are our top priority. At the Marriott Puerto Vallarta we have appropriate signage, as well as night patrolling and red flags to indicate caution in the area and all were and are properly in place." The resort added that it works closely with authorities and frequently reviews safety procedures. "We extend our thoughts to the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time and are providing appropriate support in line with our policies," the statement concluded.
Broader Context and Safety Concerns
Crocodile attacks are rare but not unheard of in the region. The American crocodile is a protected species in Mexico, and encounters with humans can occur when habitat boundaries are crossed. Local authorities have not announced any additional measures following the incident.
