Lawyer killed in Mexico on first wedding anniversary with wife, family says
A lawyer has died at a popular holiday resort while celebrating his first anniversary with his wife, according to his family.
Elliot Blair, 33, from Orange County in California, United States was found dead on Saturday at Las Rocas Resort and Spa, which is located on Rosarito Beach in Baja California, Mexico.
Local police told local news outlet Patrulla 646 Código Rojo that workers from at the hotel called emergency services at around 1:15am after his body was discovered.
Reports from local media say he fell from his room, while initial inquiries allegedly suggested he was under the influence of alcohol around the time of his passing.
But Elliot's loved ones have now doubted this version of events, claiming instead that he was the victim of an unprovoked attack during the romantic getaway.
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probeA description on a GofundMe page by colleague Annie Rodriguez, who described Elliot as "like my little brother, detailed the reports by saying: "On January 14, 2023, Elliot Blair and his wife, Kim, were in Rosarito, Mexico, celebrating their one year wedding anniversary when Elliot was tragically killed.
"We wish we could provide everyone with more information, but very limited information has been disclosed by authorities in Mexico. He was the victim of a brutal crime. His family is working with US Officials to gain more information."
She said the message and fundraiser had been approved by Mr Blair's family. As of Monday evening $96,487 (£79,128) had been raised of a $100,000 (£82,004) goal.
Elliot and his wife Kim have worked as "dedicated Public Defenders" in Orange County, California since he passed his bar exam in 2017, according to Ms Rodriguez's post.
In her moving tribute she added: “Elliot was a compassionate lawyer who dedicated his life to serving indigent clients. Elliot was known as a patient and caring advocate.
"He was the best of us and was loved by countless members of our office and the Orange County legal community. We are heartbroken.”
Investigations from Baja California Attorney General’s Office are reported to be ongoing.