A 14-year-old boy lost his life to a crocodile attack while walking with his family near a waterway in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, on July 18. Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez slipped and fell into the canal, where he was seized by the reptiles before his parents could rescue him.
The crocodiles dragged Hernandez into a nearby swamp, where they began to tear him apart as his family watched helplessly. This region is home to a significant population of Morelet’s crocodiles, a species known to be responsible for at least a dozen fatalities locally.
Police divers have started searching the canal for the boy’s remains, but so far, it is uncertain if his body has been recovered. Local authorities have issued urgent warnings for people to stay away from the area, stressing the unpredictable behavior of the crocodiles.
Morelet’s crocodiles—also known as Mexican or Belize crocodiles—are believed to be responsible for the incident. These animals can grow up to three meters long and weigh around 400 pounds. As opportunistic predators, they tend to attack nearly anything that enters their territory once they reach adulthood.
While young crocodiles mostly eat insects and fish, adults have been known to prey on cattle, tapirs, and even jaguars. The species is linked to 12 confirmed human deaths, with many attacks reported as unprovoked and predatory.
Hernandez was an active member of his community, serving as an altar boy at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church and playing in the marching band of the Cortazar Fire Department. After his death became public, the church released a tribute in his honor.
In a statement, the parish expressed deep sorrow and requested prayers for Hernandez. With heavy hearts, but trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, they asked the community to pray for the eternal rest of Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez.
Community members have taken to social media to share their grief and honor his memory. One Facebook post described him as a boy full of faith, warmth, and hope. Another reflected on the importance of looking after loved ones, noting that Hernandez’s passing serves as a reminder of how precious each moment of care and protection is.
The tragedy has prompted officials and water safety personnel to collaborate with law enforcement in warning people to keep clear of the canal banks. They highlight that the crocodiles in this area can behave erratically and pose a serious threat to anyone near the water.
Morelet’s crocodiles are widely distributed throughout parts of Mexico, with an estimated population of 79,000 to 100,000 in the country. The species also inhabits areas of Belize and Guatemala, making it one of Central America’s most common crocodilian types.
Crocodile attacks on humans are reported regularly across the globe, with about 1,000 deaths every year from all species combined. The rivers and canals around Lazaro Cardenas are especially notorious for crocodile presence, with numerous deaths attributed to these animals annually.
The investigation into the teenager’s death is ongoing. This devastating event underscores the persistent danger posed by crocodile populations in Mexico’s waterways, especially where human activities overlap with the reptiles’ natural environment.
Water safety experts continue to urge the public to steer clear of known crocodile habitats, especially in regions like Lazaro Cardenas, where the population of aggressive crocodiles is high. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the risks associated with spending time near waterways inhabited by these predators.
