In a tragic turn of events, Alejandro Cortez Gonzalez, a 20-year-old tourist from Saginaw, Michigan, lost his life while attempting to rescue a friend from drowning at Playa Chac Mool in Cancún, Mexico. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 20, 2025, when Gonzalez and his friends decided to enjoy a weekend getaway in the picturesque coastal city. However, the day took a dire turn when one of his friends began to struggle against the strong currents of the Caribbean Sea.
Despite the red flag warnings indicating dangerous swimming conditions, Gonzalez bravely entered the water to save his friend. While he succeeded in bringing her back to safety, he was ultimately overpowered by the waves and disappeared beneath the surface. For over 70 hours, his family and friends anxiously awaited news of his whereabouts.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, around 5:00 PM, beachgoers near Condominio Portofino discovered human remains floating in the water. Authorities were alerted, and the body was subsequently recovered. Initial reports indicated that the remains included a mutilated body and bones with the head intact, leading investigators to suspect that sharks may have been involved in the tragic outcome.
Renee Gonzalez, Alejandro's mother, confirmed the heartbreaking news through a Facebook post, stating, "We held out hope and prayed for a miracle. While the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, God did answer our prayers. Alejandro’s body has been found, and Matt and I are going to be able to bring our baby home." The family had been following the search from Michigan, unable to travel to Mexico due to passport issues.
As the Gonzalez family grieves their loss, they are also seeking assistance to cover the costs associated with bringing Alejandro's body back home. They have set up a GoFundMe page, which has already raised approximately $7,700 of their $10,000 goal. A spaghetti dinner benefit is also scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, at Miles Market in Saginaw, to further support the family during this difficult time.
Described as a promising young artist, Gonzalez had recently completed his junior year at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. He was known for his talents in painting and sketching, as well as his passion for fabric art, which he was exploring during his college studies. In 2023, he participated in the Great Mural Project, painting a utility box in Saginaw that showcased his artistic flair.
His family, including his two younger siblings, are devastated by the loss. "He always put everyone else before himself," Renee remarked. "That is who Alejandro was; he put others above himself always." His godmother, Missy Pocock, echoed these sentiments, calling him a hero for his selfless actions. "The Bible says that there’s no greater love than a man lay down his life for another, and that’s what he did," Pocock said.
As the community mourns, local authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to beach safety warnings. "Unfortunately, the outcome confirmed the gravity of ignoring safety signals at beaches," stated a spokesperson from Civil Protection. The tragic incident has sparked conversations about the dangers of swimming in rough waters, especially for those who underestimate the power of the ocean.
While the Gonzalez family awaits official confirmation of the identity of the remains, they are grateful for the outpouring of support from their community. "We’re surrounded by family and friends who have just showed us so much love and support," Renee shared. The local community in Saginaw has rallied around the family, demonstrating the strength of their bonds during this time of grief.
As the investigation continues, the family hopes to bring Alejandro's remains back to Michigan by the week of April 27 - May 3, 2025. The young artist’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the memories of those who knew him and the art he created. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with the sea and the selfless acts of bravery that can arise in moments of crisis.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Gonzalez family is determined to honor Alejandro's memory and his spirit of kindness and selflessness. They are grateful for the love and support they have received, and they plan to use this difficult experience to raise awareness about beach safety, hoping that others will heed the warnings that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
