Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — The issue of missing persons continues to be a profound concern in Mexico, affecting thousands of families across the nation, with Puerto Vallarta being no exception. The serene tourist destination, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant culture, has also been the site of a disturbing number of disappearances over the past two decades. According to official figures, 491 individuals have vanished in Puerto Vallarta from February 1999 to July 2024, with an overwhelming 92 percent of the cases involving men.
The situation in Puerto Vallarta reflects a broader crisis within the state of Jalisco. Data from the Jalisco State Registry of Missing Persons reveals that from December 1, 2018, to July 31, 2024, there were 15,103 reports of missing or unlocated persons. This figure contributes to the total of 32,417 cases documented since January 1942 across the state. The numbers highlight the persistent and growing nature of this issue, with families left in anguish, uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.
In Puerto Vallarta, the 491 missing persons are comprised of 38 women (7.74 percent) and 453 men (92.26 percent). The disappearances of women occurred between 2007 and July 2024, with their ages ranging from as young as four to 74 years old. The highest concentration of missing women falls within the 25 to 29 age group, with 11 cases reported. Notably, the nationalities of these women include 35 Mexicans, one Peruvian, one Russian, and one unidentified individual.
The year 2022 saw the most significant number of female disappearances, with six cases reported, followed by five cases in both 2020 and 2012. In the current year, from January to July 2024, three women have gone missing—two Mexicans and one Peruvian, in March, April, and July, respectively. It is worth noting that during 2009 and 2010, no female disappearances were recorded in the region.
When examining the cases of men, the data reveals that the 453 disappearances occurred between February 1999 and July 2024. The ages of these men ranged from 10 to 94 years, with the majority falling between 20 and 39 years old. Of the total missing men, 438 were Mexican nationals, while the remaining cases involved three Canadians, three Americans, two Peruvians, two Venezuelans, two Colombians, and three individuals of unknown nationality.
The years 2019, 2022, and 2012 stand out as particularly troubling, with 54, 43, and 30 disappearances respectively. As of July 2024, 30 men have already been reported missing this year. Similar to the pattern seen with women, certain years—2002 to 2006, and 2008—saw no reported disappearances of men in Puerto Vallarta.
Despite the grim statistics, there have been instances of individuals being located. Between 2014 and July 2024, authorities successfully located 607 individuals in Puerto Vallarta, providing some relief to the families involved. Of these, 227 were women—221 found alive and six deceased. The majority of these women, 218, were Mexican nationals, while the remaining included four Canadians, one American, one individual of Romanian/German descent, and one of unknown nationality.
Similarly, 380 men who were reported missing have been located, with 353 found alive and 27 deceased. Among the men located, 364 were Mexican nationals, while the others included seven Americans, three Canadians, two Guatemalans, one Salvadoran, and three individuals of unknown nationality.
The situation in Puerto Vallarta is a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis of missing persons in Mexico. While the return of some individuals provides hope, the persistence of disappearances, especially among young men, raises serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in the region. The impact on families is profound, leaving many in a state of prolonged uncertainty and grief.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — The issue of missing persons continues to be a profound concern in Mexico, affecting thousands of families across the nation, with Puerto Vallarta being no exception. The serene tourist destination, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant culture, has also been the site of a disturbing number of disappearances over the past two decades. According to official figures, 491 individuals have vanished in Puerto Vallarta from February 1999 to July 2024, with an overwhelming 92 percent of the cases involving men.
