A 28-year-old tourist has been identified as the victim of a horrific crocodile attack in a popular Mexican resort town, with his grieving mother sharing a heartfelt tribute to her “beautiful boy.”

Irving Mauricio, from Mexico City, was attacked on Friday evening at Marina Vallarta Beach in Puerto Vallarta. Witnesses described the terrifying moment when a massive 12-foot (approximately 3.6-meter) crocodile bit into his leg and dragged him underwater repeatedly.

Terrified beachgoers heard screams coming from the water around 6:30pm. An American couple, Jamie Yetter and her fiancé Chris Bury, who were nearby, rushed to help but could only watch in horror as the crocodile overpowered the victim.

Jamie recounted: “It was so gruesome and graphic. I saw him being taken under by the crocodile over and over.” She described the reptile as enormous, saying its head was as long as her torso and its tail thicker than her legs. Chris attempted a rescue on a paddleboard but felt helpless as the attack unfolded.

Emergency services and police launched a major overnight search. Irving’s body was recovered around 7am the following morning. Authorities later captured the 12-foot crocodile believed to be responsible for the attack.

Irving’s mother, Claudia Mauricio, paid a moving tribute on Facebook:

“My beautiful boy, Irving Mauricio, my life and my love: You have left my heart shattered, my beautiful child. Give me the strength to go on. You have shattered my soul. My heart is in pieces, but I know I must be strong… I will never stop loving you… Rest in peace, my beautiful boy.”

She added that she must stay strong for Irving’s brother Alexis and another family member, expressing hope of reuniting with her son one day.

The tragic incident has prompted local authorities to issue strong warnings against swimming near mangroves and estuarine areas where crocodiles are known to venture. While crocodile attacks are relatively rare, officials stress the importance of caution in these coastal regions.

Photos shared in tributes show Irving smiling at his graduation with his mother, highlighting the young man’s vibrant life now cut short.

This heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder of the wild dangers that can lurk even in popular tourist destinations.