Sacred Heart College in Sorrento has shared its “profound sadness” over the killings of brothers Jake and Callum Robinson while on a surfing trip in Mexico.
Callum, 33, and Jake, 30, along with their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, fell victim to a bungled robbery while camping at San Miguel beach in the Mexican state of Baja California.
The killers reportedly spotted their pick-up truck and tents, leading to a fatal confrontation.
The boys both attended Sacred Heart, with principal Leo Di Gregorio sharing a statement to PerthNow in tribute to the brothers just hours before their parents made an emotional plea to “love harder in their memory”.
“The deaths of Callum and Jake Robinson has brought a profound sadness to the Sacred Heart College and particularly for those members who knew them well,” Mr Di Gregorio said.
“Both brothers are remembered fondly as wonderful students who contributed to life at the college.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with their family, friends and all who are grieving for their loss.”
In 2016 the school shared a post and image of Callum returning to visit the school grounds eight years after graduating.
“Awesome to welcome Callum Robinson back to Sacred Heart today for the first time since he graduated in 2008,” the Facebook post said.
“Callum has managed to complete a degree in chemistry whilst competing in Lacrosse both for Australia and in the Major League Lacrosse in the United States!
“We are thrilled for your success Callum and look forward to hearing how your season goes, as well as your national commitments leading up to the World Games in Manchester, 2018.”
Grief-stricken parents Martin and Debra Robinson spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday on the devastating loss of their sons.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Callum and Jake have been murdered,” Mrs Robinson said. “Our hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us.
It’s hard to imagine that anything could be worse for the parents to lose both their children and in such tragic circumstances.
“Now it’s time to bring … them home to family and friends, and the ocean waves in Australia.
“Please live bigger, shine brighter and love harder in their memory.”
Reflecting on their sons’ achievements, Debra highlighted Callum’s vibrant personality and sporting prowess, including his professional lacrosse career.
She described Jake as a “happy, gentle and compassionate soul,” who was dedicated to both surfing and his career in medicine.
“Callum was a lovable, larger-than-life character and considered the United States his second home,” she said. ”Known as the Big Koala, he played professional lacrosse in the PLL and represented Australia in the World Championships and always found time to coach junior teams.
“Jake was a happy, gentle and compassionate soul who was pursuing a career in medicine. Jake’s passion was surfing and it was no coincidence that many of the hospitals that he worked in were close to surfing beaches.”
Joondalup mayor Albert Jacob shared his message of support.
“It’s hard to imagine that anything could be worse for the parents to lose both their children and in such tragic circumstances,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends and the Sacred Heart community.”
WA’s lacrosse community were left deeply affected by the devastating news, with Callum’s talent in the sport leading him to the US in pursuit of his passion.
“Lacrosse WA is devastated by the tragic passing of Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson and Jack Rhoad,” Lacrosse WA said in a statement.
“LWA sends our condolences to the Robinson and Rhoad families, the Wembley Lacrosse Club, as well as their friends and teammates from all over the world.”
His former club Wembley Lacrosse Club shared numerous posts at the first news of the boys’ disappearance, leaving a heartfelt tribute on Monday on their social media once the news of their murder was confirmed.
“Callum will leave a legacy to his roots and Wembley, Lacrosse WA, Lacrosse Australia and the Lacrosse world as a whole like no other,” the post said.
“His journey from being known as ‘the little guy’ at Floreat Oval to becoming a powerhouse in the sport, achieving numerous accolades and championships, is inspiring. His dedication to mentoring and supporting others, even while pursuing his own career, speaks volumes about his character.
“We will never forget Cal’s laugh and love of life like he never forgot where he came from. Whenever ‘the Big Koala’ came home, he was always down on the grass helping with junior or senior teams, sharing his knowledge and inspiring us all to do better and be better.
“To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with Debra and Martin Robinson, as well as Jacks’s friends and family during this extremely sad time. We are here for you and will continue to rally for whatever you need.”
Three Mexican nationals — Jesus Gerardo Garica Cota, also known as El Kekas, his 23-year-old partner Ari Gisel Garcia Cota and Kekas’ brother Cristian Alejandro Garcia — were arrested over their murder.