ORANGE COUNTY, CA – An Orange County couple’s vacation turned into a tragedy when they attempted a heroic but unsuccessful rescue of a tourist who was fatally attacked by a massive crocodile in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Emergency At Marina Vallarta Beach
The terrifying incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Marina Vallarta Beach near the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa. Jamie Yetter and her fiancé, Chris Bury, from Southern California, were swimming in a nearby pool when they heard desperate screams coming from the shoreline.
Thinking a swimmer was caught in a dangerous rip current, the couple rushed down to the water to assist.
A Desperate Kayak Rescue Attempt
Upon reaching the beach, the couple scrambled to find equipment and launched an oarless kayak into the water to reach the victim. The man was later identified by the Jalisco State Police as 28-year-old Irving from Mexico City, who was vacationing with friends.
As they approached, they realized the victim was not drowning but was trapped in the jaws of a massive crocodile. Yetter described the predator as enormous, noting its head was as long as her torso.
The couple watched helplessly as the crocodile pulled the victim beneath the surface. Due to the extremely murky water, Bury was unable to locate the man once he went under.
Recovery And Warning Signs
The Jalisco State Police confirmed that the victim’s remains were successfully recovered 12 hours later, early on the morning of Saturday, June 27.
Following the incident, Yetter noted that warning signs were posted along the path leading from the hotel to the beach. The signs explicitly cautioned visitors about local wildlife hazards in the area, including:
- Crocodiles
- Stingrays
- Jellyfish
The couple expressed deep grief and trauma over the event, noting how quickly the situation escalated.
