Parents of slain surfers to honour sons with foundation

The parents of two Australian surfers murdered in Mexico will use more than half a million dollars in donations from an appeal for their sons to help others. 

Callum Robinson, 33, and his brother Jake, 30, were camping with American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, in the Baja California region when they vanished on April 27.

Their bodies were found with bullet wounds to the head and dumped in a well close to their campsite six days later.

After the tragedy, a GoFundMe appeal raised more than $520,000 which Martin and Debra Robinson said would be used for causes "that will honour" their sons.

"To drive this initiative, we have created a foundation as a tribute to Callum and Jake and will be guided by people well versed in caring for others," they wrote on the page on Wednesday. 

"Although it’s early days, we hope to have a webpage available soon which will provide information on how your precious donation money will be spent."

Debra and Martin Robinson
Debra and Martin Robinson have thanked people who donated to appeals for their sons.

A separate GoFundMe appeal set up by family friend Brett Grocock has raised more than $107,000.

"Martin and Debra ... have some ideas about how they will best use the money,'' Mr Grocock has posted on the site.

"At this stage, they have a concept that they will establish an educational foundation in memory of their sons in order to make a positive contribution to the world."

Mr and Mrs Robinson thanked donors who contributed to the cause as they deal with the tragedy.

"Not a day goes by when we don’t think about our beautiful sons, the connections they had with people like you and the lives they could have had," they wrote.

"Your support is more than just a financial gift; it’s testament to the power of community and the belief that together, we can create lasting change.

"You have played a crucial role in making our vision a reality, and for that, we will be forever grateful."

Five people have been arrested or charged over their alleged involvement in the deaths.

Baja California state prosecutors believe the alleged killers were driving by when they spotted the trio's ute and camp.

They attempted to steal tyres and parts from the ute but the men resisted before all three were shot and their campsite and vehicle set alight.

Callum played professionally in the US Premier Lacrosse League and represented Australia at the world championships.

Jake was described as a "happy, gentle and compassionate soul" by his mother and was due to start working as a doctor in Victoria.

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