Parents of Jake and Callum Robinson speak through tears about pain of losing their sons

One year after two brothers were killed in Mexico, their grieving parents have shared the heartbreak and hope they carry each day.

Loved ones of brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, who were murdered along with their American friend during a surfing trip in Mexico, have reflected on the immense weight of their grief.

Jake, 30, Callum, 33, and their friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, were travelling in the Baja California region, about 80km south of the US border, when they went missing on April 27, 2024, after failing to arrive at their booked accommodation.

Their bodies were found six days later, on May 3, at the bottom of a 15m well near their campsite.

Four people have since been arrested and charged, with police alleging in court that the trio were killed in a robbery attempt.

One man faces a charge of aggravated homicide, while three associates have been charged with kidnapping.

Callum and Jake Robinson were murdered during a surfing and camping trip in Mexico. Picture: Facebook

Martin and Debra Robinson said the overwhelming support they’d received in the year since losing their sons had helped carry them through the darkest of days.

“The ache is constant and the silence in our lives deafening,” the couple said in a statement.

Ms Robinson said the outpouring of love from those who knew Jake and Callum had been a lifeline.

“I think that’s the only thing that’s kept us going ... we’re grateful that so many people have contacted us and helped us,” she said.

Mr Robinson admitted the grief had not lessened with time.

“I guess we will just learn to adapt ... I just miss being able to talk to them,” he said through tears.

Martin and Debra Robinson reflect on the death of their sons, Callum and Jake, one year on.

“We think of the future they could have had as young men getting married and having families of their own, it’s all been taken away from them,” he said.

The couple said they had been uplifted by the kindness of family, friends, and strangers, many of whom never met their sons but “still carry their spirit forward”.

“They’ve chosen to live like Jake and Callum did, with wide-open hearts and an unshakable zest for life. This love has helped us immensely,” they said.

The family has set up the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation.

In the months following their deaths, the family established the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation with the message to “Live Bigger. Shine Brighter. Love Harder”.

The foundation aims to honour the brothers’ passions by supporting diabetic athletes, promoting lacrosse worldwide and improving beach and coastal ecosystems.

“If we can make a difference through the foundation, that makes it easier for us to keep going,” Mr Robinson said.

Emily Howarth posted this tribute to her boyfriend on the one-year anniversary of his death. Picture: Instagram.

Callum’s girlfriend, Emily Howarth, also released a lengthy tribute to her partner and his companions.

“Still living on a roller coaster of denial and disbelief, only to be engulfed by the wave of reality,” she said.

“I feel so beyond grateful for our love. A love that changed my life, a love I’d carry this grief for in every lifetime.

“Your story isn’t over, your impact isn’t over — as we continue to share your story, spread your love and speak your name.

“Our red string, always connected. I will carry you always. Loving you beyond this lifetime.”

An alert issued by Mexican authorities when the men were missing. Image: Supplied

Mr and Mrs Robinson have urged people to honour their sons’ memory by sharing stories, photos and messages about how the brothers inspired or impacted their lives.

They also encourage supporters to get involved with the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, either by donating or participating in its programs, to continue the work their sons cared about.

“Sometimes it’s someone changing their lives and trying something new for the first time. Sometimes it’s a friend choosing to help clean a beach. Sometimes it’s just a parent holding their kids a little tighter,” they said.

“These small, beautiful gestures, that’s their legacy. That’s how our boys keep living.”

Originally published as Parents of Jake and Callum Robinson speak through tears about pain of losing their sons