Braydon Bretzer appears in this photo. He was last seen swimming at Zicatela Beach in Mexico, a place known for its strong waves and dangerous water conditions. National Post
A 31-year-old man from Saskatoon, Braydon Bretzer, was found dead after going missing during a swim at a beach in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. He disappeared on Sunday while swimming in the ocean near Zicatela Beach, a place known for its dangerous waves and strong currents.
Two Men Entered the Water
Witnesses say Braydon and a 40-year-old man from the United States, Chris Ankele, went swimming Sunday afternoon. Sadly, only Braydon's body has been found so far. Local officials say the search for Ankele is still ongoing.
Search teams looked for Braydon for days before recovering his body on Tuesday. Mexican authorities had warned that Zicatela Beach is not safe for swimming because of its rough water.
Support from Home
Back in Saskatoon, Braydon's friends and family are grieving. His friend Graeme Bouvier started a fundraiser to help cover the costs of bringing Braydon home. The fundraiser quickly gained attention and raised over $22,000 by Friday.
Bouvier described Braydon as someone who brought light into people’s lives. “He had a contagious energy,” he wrote. “He was loved by many and made people feel seen and valued.”
Giving Back to the Community
The family said that if donations go over their $30,000 goal, they will donate the extra money to causes Braydon cared about. One of those causes is SCAT, a local animal rescue group he supported.
Canadian Officials Involved
Canadian government officials confirmed they know about the situation and are in touch with Mexican authorities. They are offering support to Braydon’s family as needed.
Braydon’s passing has deeply affected his community in Saskatoon. Friends continue to share memories of his kindness, energy, and how much he cared for others.
