Utah Woman Shelters in Puerto Vallarta Amid Cartel Violence After El Mencho's Death

Stephanie Thornley describes chaos of explosions, gunfire, and misinformation after reported killing of notorious Mexican cartel leader.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Utah woman visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, found herself sheltering in place on Sunday as the region erupted in violence following the reported killing of one of Mexico's most notorious cartel leaders, known as El Mencho, by the Mexican military. Stephanie Thornley described scenes of car bombs, gunshots, and plumes of smoke across the city, as well as misinformation spreading rapidly among tourists.

Why it matters

The unrest in Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican cities highlights the ongoing power struggle between the government and powerful drug cartels, which can have severe impacts on tourists and residents caught in the crossfire. This incident also raises concerns about the stability of the region and the safety of travelers.

The details

Thornley, who has visited Puerto Vallarta for nearly a decade, was outside watching whales when she noticed others looking at plumes of smoke down the coast. Over the next few hours, she witnessed car bombs, gunshots, and explosions across the city. Thornley said people were warning tourists to hide and not let cartel members know they were American. The U.S. Embassy advised American travelers to shelter in place, and several airlines suspended flights out of the region.

  • On Sunday, February 23, 2026, violence erupted in Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican cities.
  • On Monday, February 24, 2026, the situation appeared to be calming down, but Thornley was still scheduled to return home on Saturday, February 29, 2026.

The players

Stephanie Thornley

A woman from Logan, Utah, who has been visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for nearly a decade.

El Mencho

One of Mexico's most notorious cartel leaders, whose reported killing by the Mexican military sparked the unrest.

Dave Thornley

Stephanie Thornley's husband, who was watching the situation unfold from Utah.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone was looking down the coast and not at the whales. I yelled, 'Did you see the whales? They're so beautiful.' And they yelled back, 'Do you see the smoke?' I looked over and thought, 'oh—that's not clouds. That's smoke.'”

— Stephanie Thornley (KSL TV)

“There were just car bombs everywhere. Gunshots everywhere. And I thought, 'is this a movie?'”

— Stephanie Thornley (KSL TV)

“People were saying, 'They're taking hostages. Don't let them see you. Don't let them know you're American.' I was terrified at that point.”

— Stephanie Thornley (KSL TV)

What’s next

Thornley is currently scheduled to return home on Saturday, February 29, 2026, as conditions appear to be stabilizing, but the situation remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks that tourists face in parts of Mexico due to the power struggles between the government and drug cartels. It serves as a reminder for travelers to stay vigilant, follow local and embassy guidance, and be prepared for unexpected disruptions during their trips.