Cartel Chaos Turns Vacation into Unforgettable Story for Hewitt Family
- 22 minutes ago
- 1 min read
by Trinity Gruenberg
At the onset of a serene vacation, the Opelia family of Hewitt found themselves caught in unexpected chaos and violence while visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
A wave of cartel violence erupted in Mexico on February 22–23, after Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
Following his death, cartel members launched retaliatory attacks across the country, setting up roughly 250 roadblocks and burning cars, cargo trucks, buses, gas stations, and businesses, blocking highways and disrupting cities.
Fires and arson attacks were reported in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, as well as in several states, including Michoacán, Guanajuato, Colima, and Tamaulipas. Authorities reported dozens of deaths, including about 25 National Guard members, along with over 30 cartel fighters.
The violence caused major travel disruptions and security alerts across parts of Mexico.
Jim and Lisa Opelia of Hewitt, joined by daughter Kayla, Jim’s sister Cheryl Hevzda, brother-in-law Dale Hevzda, and their adult daughter, planned what was supposed to be a laid‑back, adults‑only getaway to one of Mexico’s safest resort cities, Puerto Vallarta.
The family landed on Saturday, February 21, had dinner, and turned in for the night.
“The next morning, we woke up early. I was walking around town before the sun came up. We went up the big hill—Hill of the Cross—and you’re overlooking the whole city. It was just so peaceful. Everything was beautiful. A beautiful morning,” shared Opelia...
