Couple Stranded in Mexico After Cartel Violence Near Resort

Brevard County couple's vacation turns frightening as they shelter in place amid unrest following cartel leader's death.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Central Florida couple traveling for a family wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico found themselves stranded after violence broke out near their resort over the weekend. Wendee Parks and her husband woke up Sunday to smoke, reports of violence, and instructions to remain inside as the U.S. Department of State issued a security alert following the killing of a powerful cartel leader. The couple's flight home was canceled as they witnessed military activity and gunfire near the airport, before finally securing a flight back to Orlando on Tuesday night.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks American tourists face when traveling to parts of Mexico affected by cartel violence, which has surged in recent years. The U.S. State Department has issued numerous travel advisories for Mexico, urging increased caution, and this case shows how quickly a vacation can turn dangerous for unsuspecting visitors caught in the crossfire.

The details

On Sunday, Parks and her husband woke up to smoke, reports of violence, and instructions to stay inside their resort in Puerto Vallarta. They saw Black Hawk helicopters, military ships, and a charred bus less than a mile away. Their scheduled flight home was canceled as the U.S. State Department issued a security alert following the killing of a powerful cartel leader. The couple witnessed gunfire outside the airport before finally securing a flight back to Orlando on Tuesday night.

  • On Sunday, the couple woke up to smoke, reports of violence, and instructions to remain inside their resort.
  • On Sunday night, the U.S. Department of State issued a security alert after the killing of one of Mexico's most powerful cartel leaders.
  • On Sunday, the couple's scheduled flight home was canceled amid widespread flight disruptions at the airport.
  • On Tuesday night, the couple was able to book a flight back to Orlando.

The players

Wendee Parks

A resident of Viera, Florida who was traveling with her husband for a family wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

U.S. Department of State

The federal agency that issued a security alert for parts of Mexico following the killing of a powerful cartel leader.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We were a little scared, panicked, I'm not going to lie. It was like, 'wow, is it moving closer?' It was hard to tell. There was a charred bus less than a mile from here.”

— Wendee Parks (wesh.com)

“It was a little scary because there was gunfire outside the airport, and people were being told to go into the kitchen and get down.”

— Wendee Parks (wesh.com)

What’s next

The U.S. State Department continues to urge Americans to limit travel to parts of Mexico affected by cartel violence and to follow guidance from local authorities.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the security risks American tourists face when traveling to certain regions of Mexico, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring State Department advisories and being prepared to change travel plans if the situation deteriorates rapidly.