A 14-year-old boy died after being attacked by crocodiles when he fell into a canal during a family outing in Lazaro Cardenas on Mexico’s Pacific coast on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez was walking with his family along a path near the waterway when he slipped and fell in. His parents tried to reach him, but crocodiles seized him and dragged him to a nearby marsh before they could help.
Witnesses said the crocodiles tore the boy apart during the incident. Police divers searched the area to recover his remains, though it is still unclear if they managed to retrieve his body.
Andres was known in his community as an altar server at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and played in the Cortazar Fire Department’s marching band. After hearing of his passing, the church released a message mourning his loss. The church also asked parishioners to come together in prayer for the soul of Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez.
Local law enforcement and water safety officials have issued warnings for the public to keep away from the canal’s edge, stressing that the crocodiles pose serious and unpredictable risks to people.
Authorities believe the attack involved Morelet’s crocodiles, also called Mexican or Belize crocodiles. These animals usually grow up to 10 feet long and can weigh close to 400 pounds. They are known for their opportunistic hunting behavior and will attack almost anything that enters their habitat.
Morelet’s crocodiles are aggressive predators capable of taking down large animals such as cattle, tapirs, and jaguars. While juveniles feed on fish and insects, adult crocodiles are a major threat to bigger prey, including people.
This species has been associated with at least a dozen human fatalities, often attacking without provocation. There are an estimated 79,000 to 100,000 Morelet’s crocodiles living in Mexico, and the species is widespread throughout the region.
The rivers and canals around Lazaro Cardenas are known for frequent crocodile activity, with dozens of fatal incidents reported in the area every year. Globally, crocodiles are responsible for around 1,000 human deaths annually.
Morelet’s crocodiles are also found in Belize and Guatemala, making them a public safety concern across several Central American countries. Their broad range contributes to ongoing conflicts between people and wildlife near waterways.
Local officials are still investigating the circumstances of the teenager’s death and have not yet released further details or announced new safety measures.