Bayleigh Koch
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico -Violence flared across parts of western Mexico earlier this week after authorities said they killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as “El Mencho,” triggering road closures, fires and flight disruptions that rippled into tourist areas such as Puerto Vallarta.
Bayleigh Koch works remotely from her hotel room in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as violence erupted in parts of western Mexico following the reported death of a cartel leader. Koch monitored updates and coordinated reporting while staying indoors as conditions shifted.
Puerto Vallarta is typically a busy resort city, but travelers said they were closely monitoring security updates and adjusting plans as conditions changed.
Riley Miller, a U.S. tourist visiting the area, said the uncertainty made getting home feel urgent. “Getting back to my three-year-old was more stressful than anything for me,” Miller said.
Residents also described an uneasy atmosphere. Antonio Gonzalez, a Puerto Vallarta resident, said he saw signs of unrest after leaving church. “I was at the church and when I left, I saw many fires, many smoke,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez said he witnessed violence on local streets while sheltering with his family.
Tourists and residents said basic tasks, including finding food and supplies, became unpredictable as they waited for updates.
Miller said she and others heard explosions and could see smoke in the distance.
A Mexican Navy vessel sits off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as security forces increased their presence following unrest in parts of western Mexico earlier this week. Authorities said they were working to restore order after violence broke out across the region. (Photo by Bayleigh Koch)
Authorities described the cartel leader’s death as one of the most significant blows against organized crime in years, while analysts warned that taking down kingpins can also spark more violence in the short term.
Mexican officials said security forces were working to restore order and reopen routes, and that many areas were returning to normal, though they cautioned conditions can change quickly.
Officials also advised travelers to monitor airline updates and rely on official guidance as conditions evolve.
Bayleigh Koch, a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a reporter and anchor for The Omaha News, was in Puerto Vallarta at the time to attend her father’s wedding.
Leave feedback about this