Callum and Jake Robinson: Parents share heartbreak saying ‘we don’t have a family anymore’

Phil Hickey and Max Corstorphan
The Nightly
Robinson brothers - missing in Mexico. Pictured is Callum Robinson (left) with brother Jake (right)
Robinson brothers - missing in Mexico. Pictured is Callum Robinson (left) with brother Jake (right) Credit: Instagram/Instagram

The parents of murdered Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson have shared the heartbreak of realising they “don’t have a family anymore.”

Callum, 32, and Jake, 31, and their mate Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, vanished in Mexico near Ensenada in Baja California on April 27.

Their bodies were found a week after their disappearance near their remote campsite.

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“We had these dreams, as every parent do, for their children,” father Martin Robinson told 9News.

“And I just wanted them to have a good life, you know,” mother Debra Robinson tearfully said

“Now they’re not going to happen and we have to readjust to that, the fact that we don’t have a family anymore,” Mr Robinson added.

“We miss them lots,” Mrs Robinson said.

The Robinson family
Parents Martin and Debra with Jake and Callum Robinson. Credit: AAP

The comments come after communities rallied to support the family in the wake of the tragedy.

A staggering US$350,000 ($520,000) was raised for the Robinson family after the murders, with some of the money going towards the establishment of a foundation.

This week, Mr and Mrs Robinson provided an update on the foundation in a Facebook post published on the Indian Ocean Paddlers’ Facebook page.

“Debbie and I would like to thank you for the amazing generosity and support you have shown for Callum and Jake Robinson,” they said.

“It has now been four months since their tragic deaths at a campsite in Mexico, and not a day goes by when we don’t think about our beautiful sons, the connections they had with people like you and the lives they could have had.

“We have been overwhelmed by the love we have received in Australia, and although we can’t thank you individually, we would like you to know that the funds that have been raised will be used for a variety of philanthropic activities that will honour Callum and Jake.

“To drive this initiative, we have created a foundation as a tribute to Callum and Jake and will be guided by people well versed in caring for others.

“Although it’s early days, we hope to have a webpage available soon which will provide information on how your precious donation money will be spent.

“Your support is more than just a financial gift; it’s testament to the power of community and the belief that together, we can create lasting change.

“You have played a crucial role in making our vision a reality, and for that, we will be forever grateful.”

Mexican authorities claimed that the brothers and their friend were murdered by thieves trying to steal their ute for its tyres.

Four people in Mexico were swiftly arrested and charged over their alleged involvement in the disappearances of the three men.

A 31-year-old Ensenada man, known as Angel Jesus “N”, became the fifth person to be arrested in mid-July.

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