(PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico) — A 28-year-old man was killed in a crocodile attack on a popular beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Friday evening, according to state authorities.
The victim, who was from Mexico, was on the beach in front of the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa when he was allegedly attacked by the reptile and dragged out to sea, Jalisco State Police said in a statement on Sunday.
The incident happened around 6 p.m. local time, police noted.
The victim’s body was recovered Saturday morning about 300 meters offshore after an overnight search and rescue operation at sea and on land.
Local authorities are reminding the public to obey warning signs and avoid entering the water where wildlife is known to be present, particularly in estuary and mangrove areas.
“The safety and security of our guests and associates are our top priority,” the resort said in a statement to ABC News. “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 said it reviews its “plans and procedures often” and works “closely with the appropriate authorities on an ongoing basis and our staff is trained in how to respond to safety matters appropriately.”
“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 resort said.
ABC News’ Ahmad Hemingway and Madeline Wheeler contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
