Cancún, Mexico — The family of Alejandro Cortez González, a 20-year-old American artist from Saginaw, Michigan, has launched a fundraising campaign to repatriate his body after he drowned while rescuing a friend in Cancún. His body was discovered on April 20 after being reported missing earlier that day.
A Plea for Assistance
Through a GoFundMe page, the family is seeking donations to cover the costs of transporting Alejandro’s remains back to Michigan. The campaign has set a goal of $13,527 (approximately 263,000 Mexican pesos).
“If you are able to donate but online options don’t work for you, please reach out. If you cannot donate, please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our family appreciates all the love and support they have been given,” the family wrote on the fundraising page.
“The fund is to bring him home to his family now,” they added.
Remembering Alejandro
Alejandro was described by his family as a talented artist and a devoted friend.
“He lit up a room and was always ready for a new project. He was loving and fiercely loyal to his friends and family, unafraid to try new things. He was intelligent, consistently earning high grades and excelling in everything he did,” the family shared.
“His laughter was contagious, as was his friendly demeanor and enthusiastic spirit. He had a fondness for piercings and tattoos, much to his mother’s dismay. Elegant, responsible, caring, creative—he was all of these things.”
The Tragic Incident
Alejandro was vacationing in Cancún with three friends when the incident occurred. On April 20, while at Chac Mool Beach, one of his friends, identified in some reports as a young woman, began struggling in the water after being pulled by a strong current. Alejandro jumped in to help but was unable to return to shore.
His body was later found washed ashore by beachgoers, who alerted authorities. Emergency responders from the Benito Juárez municipality cordoned off the area as forensic teams from the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) and the Medical Examiner’s Office (Semefo) arrived.
The body showed signs of advanced decomposition and injuries caused by marine wildlife.
Outpouring of Support and Condemnation
Images and videos of Alejandro’s recovery circulated on social media, sparking outrage among users who called for respect for his memory. Many urged others to share his artwork instead, highlighting his passion for drawing. Alejandro was a student at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
His mother, Renne Gonzalez, publicly confirmed the discovery of his body and expressed gratitude for the support received.
The case remains under investigation by Mexican authorities.
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