A 14-year-old boy was killed by crocodiles while walking with his family near a waterway in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, on July 18. Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez fell into the canal and was attacked by the reptiles before his parents could pull him to safety.

The crocodiles dragged Hernandez into the swamp and began tearing his body apart as his family watched in horror. The area is known to be home to a large population of Morelet’s crocodiles, which are reportedly responsible for at least a dozen deaths in the region.

Police divers have begun searching the canal for the boy’s remains, though it remains unclear whether they have successfully recovered his body. Local authorities have issued warnings urging people to avoid the area, citing the unpredictable nature of the crocodiles.

The species believed responsible for the attack, Morelet’s crocodiles, also known as Mexican or Belize crocodiles, can grow up to three meters in length and weigh approximately 400 pounds. These reptiles are highly opportunistic predators that will attack practically anything entering their territory once they reach maturity.

When young, these crocodiles typically prey on insects and fish, but adult specimens have been recorded attacking cattle, tapirs, and even jaguars. The species has been linked to 12 confirmed human deaths, with many attacks occurring in a predatory manner without provocation.

Hernandez was actively involved in his local community, serving as an altar boy at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church and participating in the Cortazar Fire Department’s marching band. Following news of his death, the parish issued a tribute to the teenager.

The church released a statement expressing their grief and requesting prayers for Hernandez. “With deep sorrow, but with our hope placed in our Lord Jesus Christ, who has Risen and is the Lord of life, I earnestly ask you to join in prayer for the eternal rest of Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez,” the statement read.

Community members have taken to social media to express their shock and pay tribute to the boy. One Facebook user described him as a child full of faith, tenderness, and hope. Another user reflected on the importance of protecting loved ones, stating that Hernandez’s departure serves as a reminder of the value of every moment of care and protection.

The incident has prompted water safety officials to work alongside police in warning visitors to stay away from the canal’s banks. They emphasize that crocodiles in the area can be unpredictable and pose a significant danger to anyone who approaches the waterway.

Morelet’s crocodiles are widespread across parts of Mexico, with an estimated 79,000 to 100,000 in the country alone. The species also inhabits parts of Belize and Guatemala, making it one of the more common crocodilian species in Central America.

Crocodile attacks on humans occur regularly worldwide, with approximately 1,000 fatalities recorded annually across all species. The rivers and canals in the Lazaro Cardenas area are particularly known as hotbeds for crocodile activity, with the creatures being responsible for multiple deaths in the region each year.

The teenager’s death is currently under investigation by local authorities. The tragic incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by crocodile populations in Mexico’s waterways, particularly in areas where human activity intersects with the reptiles’ natural habitat.

Water safety experts continue to stress the importance of maintaining a safe distance from known crocodile habitats, especially in regions like Lazaro Cardenas, where the predators are known to be particularly aggressive and numerous. The case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with recreational activities near waterways in crocodile-inhabited areas.