Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Jesús Alejandro Pérez Amante, a graduate of the Centro Universitario de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades (CUCSH) and a well-known defender of the Nixticuil forest in Zapopan, Jalisco, tragically lost his life while visiting the coastal community of Yelapa, located in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes near Puerto Vallarta. The 30-year-old environmental activist was vacationing with his girlfriend during Mexico’s Independence Day long weekend when the tragedy unfolded.
A Visit to Yelapa’s Waterfalls
Yelapa, a secluded coastal village accessible only by sea, is renowned for its natural beauty, including a series of waterfalls that draw visitors year-round. On Sunday, September 15, Pérez Amante and his girlfriend set out to explore the popular waterfall circuit, hiking through the hills and rivers that surround the community. After successfully reaching the waterfalls together, Pérez Amante expressed a desire to continue his journey upriver while his girlfriend waited for him near the water. However, hours passed, and Pérez Amante never returned.
Desperate Search and Tragic Discovery
After waiting anxiously with no sign of her boyfriend, Pérez Amante’s girlfriend contacted local authorities. Teams from Civil Protection and the Cabo Corrientes Police quickly began searching the area, but as night fell, the search was suspended due to dangerous conditions. The following morning, on Monday, September 16, search efforts resumed. Almost 24 hours after he was last seen, personnel from the Fire Department discovered Pérez Amante’s lifeless body in the river near the waterfall.
Jalisco Authorities Confirm Death
The Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Pérez Amante’s death through social media later that day. “The Regional Special Prosecutor’s Office confirms the death of a man identified as Jesús Alejandro Pérez Amante, whose body was found on the river leading to the Yelapa waterfall in Cabo Corrientes,” the office announced. Preliminary reports suggest that Pérez Amante sustained a fatal injury to the right parietal bone of his skull, which authorities believe was caused by a fall.
A Defender of the Nixticuil Forest
Pérez Amante was widely recognized for his work defending the Nixticuil forest, a key ecological zone in northern Zapopan that has faced increasing pressure from real estate developers and urban expansion. As one of the leading voices advocating for the preservation of the forest, Pérez Amante was a beloved figure in his neighborhood, La Tuzania, and among environmental activists across the region. He had been actively involved with the Committee in Defense of the Nixticuil Forest for over a decade.
The Committee issued a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow following the confirmation of his death. “It is with deep pain that we share with you that our colleague and friend Alejandro Pérez Amante was found dead this morning in Yelapa, where he was on vacation. His family, like those of us who are part of the Committee in Defense of the El Nixticuil Forest, a collective that Alex has been part of for the last ten years, thank and embrace all those who were attentive, spreading the word and supporting us in so many ways during this painful time,” read the post on their social media.
A Legacy of Environmental Activism
Pérez Amante’s death has sent shockwaves through the environmentalist community in Zapopan, particularly among those fighting to protect the Nixticuil forest, often referred to as one of the “lungs” of the northern part of the city. The forest is a critical ecological resource for the region, but ongoing urbanization and development have led to numerous conflicts between local communities, developers, and the government.
Over the years, Pérez Amante had been an outspoken critic of attempts to encroach on the forest, organizing protests, advocating for sustainable development, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting natural spaces. His efforts helped galvanize community support and shed light on the environmental threats facing the area. Many of his colleagues and friends remember him as a passionate and dedicated advocate for nature.
Grief and Reflection
As news of Pérez Amante’s death spread, many people took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of his work. “He was a true defender of the earth, a kind and generous person who believed in the power of community action,” wrote one colleague. “His work won’t be forgotten, and we will continue to fight for the causes he believed in.”
While the exact circumstances surrounding Pérez Amante’s fatal fall remain under investigation, his death has cast a somber mood over the environmental activist community in Zapopan and beyond. His family and friends are currently making arrangements for his funeral, which is expected to be attended by fellow activists, local residents, and university colleagues who admired his commitment to preserving natural spaces in Jalisco.
A Call for Continued Protection of the Nixticuil Forest
Pérez Amante’s death also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect the Nixticuil forest from development. Activists from the Committee in Defense of the Nixticuil Forest have vowed to continue the work that Pérez Amante dedicated much of his life to, renewing their call for stronger protections for the forest and for greater community involvement in defending Mexico’s natural heritage.
As his loved ones and the environmentalist community come to terms with the loss of Jesús Alejandro Pérez Amante, they are also reflecting on his legacy—a legacy of tireless activism, a love for nature, and a commitment to safeguarding the future of the Nixticuil forest for generations to come.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Jesús Alejandro Pérez Amante, a graduate of the Centro Universitario de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades (CUCSH) and a well-known defender of the Nixticuil forest in Zapopan, Jalisco, tragically lost his life while visiting the coastal community of Yelapa, located in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes near Puerto Vallarta. The 30-year-old environmental activist was vacationing with his girlfriend during Mexico’s Independence Day long weekend when the tragedy unfolded.
