(An A.I. translation tool was used to convert Spanish statements by Mexican government sources to English which are cited in this report).
A U.S. Marine veteran from Tucson, Arizona was killed by cartel gunmen while driving through Mexico en route to a beach vacation on Friday, October 18, 2024. The Sonora, Mexico Attorney General's Office confirmed the murder of 30-year-old Nicholas Douglas Quets in a series of news releases issued in Spanish on x.com (formerly Twitter).
U.S. Marine Veteran Nicholas Douglas Quets of Tucson, Arizona was killed by Cartel gunmen while driving to a Mexican beach vacation.Photo byFamily of Nicholas Douglas Quets (via KOLD-TV)
The Arizona Daily Star said a "Sonora State Official" confirmed the murder occurred after Quets failed to stop for a cartel roadblock on the Caborca-Altar highway. A statement released by Quets' family to Tucson television station KOLD-TV confirms he was "senselessly murdered by the cartel" while driving through Sonora on the way to a planned beach vacation in Puerto Peñasco.
The Mexican state of Sonora is under a "Level 3" U.S. State Department "Travel Advisory" & advises against using the highway Quets was on.Photo byU.S. State Department
"Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks . . .Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs (Lawful Permament Residents) have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.” -U.S. State Department Travel Advisory
Quets was using a highway that was not the State Department's recommended route for Americans driving to Puerto Peñasco - and he was driving at night which is known to be dangerous. The department encourages Americans to read their advisories before traveling to Mexico and expressed its sympathies to Quets' family:
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time." U.S. State Department Statement (via Arizona Daily Star)
The Sonora State Attorney General's Office says as troops from the Mexican Navy Secretariat (SEMAR) and the Criminal Investigation Ministerial Agency (AMIC) searched for the cartel gunmen responsible for Quets' killing they were fired upon from a jeep. A Mexican Government Black Hawk helicopter gunship responded as backup "resulting in four criminals neutralized and weapons seized" the Sonora Attorney General's Office reports.
Quets' family released a statement mourning their loss and calling on Mexican authorities to continue battling the cartel responsible for his murder:
"Nick will forever be remembered as a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. His loss has left all who knew and loved him heartbroken. His family who by generations have over 100 years of service to our nation demand justice for Nick.” -Quets Family Statement (via KOLD-TV)
(NOTE: I wrote an article last month about the dangers of Mexico travel which you can read HERE).
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