Haunting Instagram posts reveal Robinson brothers’ last days

Callum and Jake Robinson were on the trip of a lifetime in Mexico when tragedy struck. See their final haunting moments of sunshine and surf.

Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson unknowingly documented their final days on earth capturing their dream surfing trip in heartbreaking detail.

Callum, 33, and Jake, 30, died together with their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, during a bungled robbery in northern Mexico sometime after April 27 when they lost contact with their family.

The three men set off on a road trip in a white Chevrolet Colorado, their surfboards tucked securely in the tray.

“And it begins!” an excited Callum posted to his Instagram account.

The brothers, pictured here at Urban surf in Melbourne in late 2023, were extremely close. Source: Instagram

The men were on the surf trip of a lifetime, Picture: Instagram.

Callum, a US resident and champion lacrosse player, had invited his brother Jake, a respected doctor still living back home in Perth, on a roadtrip to explore Baja California along with his American mate Carter Rhoad.

The Mexican state – just south of the US border – is all surf and sunshine on the surface, but an undercurrent of organised crime lurks in its depths.

Statistics compiled by Justice in Mexico researcher Randall Ramos show in 2021 Baja California had the second highest number of murders in the country with one in every 10 occurring in the far northern state.

The men make a stop at Rosarito Beach. Picture: Instagram.

However, the area remains a tourism drawcard for surfers and fishers who cannot resist its impressive coastline.

The Australian brothers and Carter Rhoad had an uneventful journey to Rosarito Beach where they made a pit stop at Robert’s K38 Surf Motel just 40km from the US border with Callum capturing a snap of its recognisable blue exterior.

A room at Robert's K-38 Surf Motel in Rosarito Baja California

The modest 10 room motel, which is priced at A$368 a night, is known as a safe stopping point for western travellers who prize its proximity to the famous K38 surf break.

K38, which is a reference to its location at kilometre 38 of Baja Highway 1, has four main breaks all of which are beloved by surf enthusiasts.

The Point, The Left, Maria’s, and Theresa’s – also known as El Morro in a nod to a neighbouring restaurant – are often crowded, especially on weekends.

Callum and his companions enjoy a Mexican beer. Picture: Instagram.

They also enjoyed a dip in the pool after a big day’s surfing. Picture: Instagram.

The men later announced their safe arrival a further 65km down the coast at Ensenada with a picturesque photo of the water, their sandy toes resting alongside a couple of cans of Mexican beer Tecate.

The group appeared to enjoy their time in Ensenada with music, a dip in the pool, sightseeing of local landmarks and a visit to a mouthatering taco restaurant among their adventures.

The images they would ever upload show waves rolling in at Playa San Miguel Beach.

The Aussies posted a picture of a restaurant from their travels.

One of the last photos shared by Callum Robinson. Picture: Instagram.

Their bodies were found a two-hour drive south near La Bocana Beach, days later.

Meanwhile, the many people whose lives were touched by the Perth brothers are painting a picture of two incredibly talented and selfless young men cut down in their prime.

Jake was a doctor working in his hometown of Perth.

Prior to the tragedy, he was set for a cross country move to begin a new role at a hospital in Geelong, Victoria.

Callum, a champion lacrosse player who stood at an impressive 190cm tall, was also dedicated to serving others.

Many knew him better and longer, and I’d still like to contribute to the memory of a great person, Callum Robinson.
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Please remember Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson, and Jack Carter Rhoad, may they rest peacefully.

🇦🇺 💙
My first time meeting Callum was on the sacred grounds… pic.twitter.com/fNsFxndoVN

— Erik Mineo (@ErikMineo) May 4, 2024

His friend Erik Mineo of Long Island described how the gentle giant was working on Project Kenny – a program to connect military veterans with assistance dogs.

While the initiative never reached completion, Mineo who met Callum during the Premier Lacrosse League's Military Appreciation Week celebrations back in 2019, vowed to continue the work in his late friend’s legacy.

Callum represented Australia in lacrosse. Source: Facebook

“Callum stood up and I will never forget the sheer size of him, he seemed to unfold and expand the taller he stood,” Mineo said.

“Then he smiled and we bear hugged. That was Callum, a big giant smile and warm embrace. “He made the word a better place.”