In a tragic turn of events, the bodies of two Australian surfers and one American who had gone missing in Mexico's Baja peninsula over the weekend, were discovered in a well. Mexican authorities confirmed on Sunday that the relatives of the victims had identified the bodies recovered from the remote well, located about 4 miles away from where the foreigners were killed. The authorities also revealed that a fourth cadaver, believed to have been dumped there earlier, was found in the same well.

According to Baja California state prosecutors, the three surfers were killed by thieves who were attempting to steal their truck for its tires. The thieves then allegedly disposed of the bodies by dumping them in the well near the coast. The bodies were reportedly difficult to locate as the thieves had covered the well with boards. It took two hours for the bodies to be retrieved.

Chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez described the likely horrifying ordeal that led to the surfers' deaths. She theorized that when the killers saw the foreigners' pickup truck and tents, they wanted to steal the tires. However, when the surfers confronted them, they resisted, leading to a fatal shooting.

The investigation has resulted in the arrest of three suspects, who are currently in custody. Locals have noted that the case was resolved more rapidly than the disappearances of many Mexicans, leading to questions of disparate treatment. The prosecutor did not rule out the possibility that the same suspects had dumped the first body in the well as part of previous crimes.

The news of the tragic deaths has elicited widespread sympathy and sadness, not only from the victims' families but also from the international community. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed his condolences, stating that the whole country's heart goes out to the loved ones of the victims.

The tragic incident has also raised concerns about the safety of camping along the largely deserted coast of Baja California. Even experienced local expatriates are questioning the risks involved in exploring remote areas. The dangers of traveling and camping in these areas seem to be outweighing the benefits for many.

With the bodies now identified, mourners, surfers, and demonstrators have gathered in Ensenada, the nearest city, to voice their anger and sadness over the deaths. Protesters held placards expressing their grievances and demanding safe beaches. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the lack of safety in the region.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe that more individuals may have been involved. The suspects currently in custody are being questioned, with two facing drug charges and the third believed to have directly participated in the killings.

This incident is reminiscent of a similar tragedy in 2015 when two Australian surfers were killed in Sinaloa state, further emphasizing the risks posed in certain parts of Mexico. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged reports of a missing American citizen in Baja but provided no further details at this time.

As authorities continue their investigation into this horrific crime, the international community mourns the loss of these three adventurous souls who were taken too soon from their loved ones.