British businessman 'gunned down in front of teenage daughter' in Mexico
Friends described Truro man Chris Cleave as "an absolute legend".
Monday 14 March 2022 05:59, UK
A British man has died after reportedly being shot in front of his teenage daughter at a popular Mexican resort.
Two men opened fire on a car near the busy tourist destination of Playa del Carmen, according to local media.
Chris Cleave, 54, originally from Cornwall, was inside - and died at the scene, a state government source told Reuters.
Mr Cleave, who was said to be working as an estate agent in nearby Cancun, had reportedly been travelling in his car with his 14-year-old daughter. She suffered minor, non life-threatening injuries.
Moving tributes have been paid to the businessman from friends and family on social media.
One described him as an "absolute legend".
Another said: "My friend, colleague, brother was ridiculously happy in life, so let us celebrate that life rather than weep over death."
Janal Lewis said trips to Cancun would not be the same without meeting the British ex-pat "to give you your PG Tips".
Lesley Anne Hughes said she was "shocked and saddened".
She added: "I can't believe what I've just heard."
Diana Von Schirmeister said: "The outpouring of gratitude for your friendship and griefstricken hearts on your page are just tiny proof of how many hearts and lives you touched."
Just two weeks ago Mr Cleave shared photographs and video of an 80s party in the resort and poked fun at himself in a caption, saying: "Not sure if I was Phil Collins or Don Johnson!".
Rise in violence
Two suspects were arrested after Saturday's shooting on suspicion of participation in the killing, the prosecutor's office of Quintana Roo said.
A gun that may have been used was found in their possession at the time of the arrest, the office added.
Mr Cleave was said to have been a permanent resident of Mexico since 2013. He grew up in Truro.
Mexico's government stationed National Guard troops in Quintana Roo late last year in response to a rise in violence linked to organized crime, including gunfights that killed two foreign tourists and a beachfront gang slaying that sent hotel guests fleeing for their lives.