St. Louis Family Stranded in Mexico Amid Cartel Chaos

Travel agency working to bring family home as airports shut down due to violence

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A St. Louis family of six is currently stranded in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, caught in the middle of a national security crisis that has paralyzed international travel. The chaos erupted after the Mexican government confirmed the military killed a top cartel leader, sparking retaliatory violence, gunfire, and destruction. The family has been forced to move between different locations within their hotel, seeking safety while waiting for a way out.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and unpredictability of international travel, especially in regions with ongoing cartel violence and political instability. It also showcases the challenges travel agencies face in getting clients home safely when flights are grounded and borders are closed.

The details

The family was on a tropical vacation in Puerto Vallarta when the airports shut down due to the cartel violence. With no flights available, the family has been stuck, moving between different locations within their hotel for safety as they wait for a way to get home. Brentwood Travel, the agency that booked the trip, is working around the clock to try to get the family back to St. Louis.

  • The chaos erupted after the Mexican government confirmed the military killed a top cartel leader on February 23, 2026.
  • Flights out of Puerto Vallarta were grounded for 3-4 days starting on February 24, 2026.

The players

Brentwood Travel

A travel agency based in Brentwood, Missouri that booked the St. Louis family's vacation to Puerto Vallarta.

Stacey Acree

A representative from Brentwood Travel who is working to get the stranded St. Louis family home.

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What they’re saying

“The airports shut down, so you can't just get home. They couldn't just go to the airport. There were no planes to take them, so they have to wait.”

— Stacey Acree, Representative, Brentwood Travel (KSDK)

“They were truly stuck. The clients were there with their family of six. They were, of course, really upset and scared.”

— Stacey Acree, Representative, Brentwood Travel (KSDK)

What’s next

Brentwood Travel is working around the clock to try to secure flights to get the stranded St. Louis family home from Puerto Vallarta as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of being prepared for unexpected disruptions when traveling internationally, especially to regions with ongoing security concerns. It also highlights the vital role travel agencies play in helping clients navigate crises and get home safely.