Stranded in Paradise: Three Seniors Stuck in Mexico after El Mencho's Assassination

Bellevue senior boys enjoying their last day in town at a restaurant just hours before all outside access was restricted. Photo by Alex Gillin.

During mid-winter break in February, members of Bellevue's senior class visited Punta Mita, Mexico. A completely gated resort packed with beach clubs, hotels, restaurants and even two golf courses. Punta Mita is located about 25 miles northwest of the city of Puerto Vallarta, in the neighboring state of Nayarit. The region is a well-liked tourist destination because of its privacy and safety. The trip ended on either February 20 or 21 for most seniors.

However, seniors Nicole Makarenko, Estelle Oaksmith and Ai-Khue Williams who were supposed to depart on Sunday the 21, never boarded their aircraft.

The head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, was killed in a military operation by Mexican security forces just hours after their classmates had already returned to Bellevue. The CJNG is regarded as one of Mexico's most dangerous criminal groups and has been connected to both violence in Mexico and international drug trafficking networks.

El Mencho’s death prompted widespread retaliation throughout western Mexico right away. In the state of Jalisco, where the city of Puerto Vallarta is located, cartel members constructed roadblocks, set fire to cars, attacked businesses and even conducted a prison escape for inmate members. Mayhem was erupting through the area and tourists witnessed smoke rising all over the city. Authorities advised people to stay inside, and most airlines cancelled flights.

“My mom and I were only supposed to spend an extra two days, but we were stuck for another week! After a day, it was normal again, but we just wanted to get home,” senior Ai-Khue Williams said.

Although the Bellevue students in Punta Mita were not in immediate danger from the chaos in Puerto Vallarta, the city’s airport was their only way home. When their flight was cancelled, they soon found themselves in a precarious situation.

“For several days, violence kept happening, and we started getting really scared as the cartel attacks moved closer to our resort. But as much as we were happy for the extra time we got to be there, all we wanted to do was get home,” senior Nicole Makarenko said.

The students were informed that, for safety reasons, they would have to stay at their resort inside the gated community for the remaining days of their stay. While authorities worked to remove obstacles and stabilize the area, transportation outside the resort was restricted.

“Our worst worry was not knowing for days when we could go home. There were ongoing sirens and reports all over the town on where the cartel attacks were and what we needed to do to stay safe,” senior Estelle Oaksmith said.

While the students waited for airlines to resume flights, families back in Washington kept a close eye on news updates.

The three seniors finally departed Mexico on Thursday, five days later than scheduled.

Many Bellevue seniors will recall the trip as a sunny last vacation before graduation. However, the trip also served as a personal reminder of the dangers of travelling abroad and how plans can go sideways fast.