A recent shooting incident in Durango, Mexico, has left three members of a family dead and one critically injured. The attack, which occurred while the victims were traveling in a GMC Yukon with Illinois plates, happened on December 27 on the Francisco Zarco highway in Santiago Papasquiaro.

The deceased include two American citizens, Vicente Peña Rodríguez, 38, and his brother Antonio Fernández Rodríguez, 44, both originally from Chicago, alongside a local resident and relative, Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre, 22.

The only survivor of this tragic event is a minor, son of Vicente Peña Rodríguez, who is currently in a coma due to injuries sustained during the attack. According to the India Times, the Durango attorney general's office has confirmed the survivor's condition.

Vicente was reportedly in Mexico to celebrate his son's upcoming 14th birthday. A fundraising campaign initiated by the boy's mother highlighted the family’s tragic circumstances, stating, “two days before my baby’s birthday, they were victims of an attack…my son’s father, uncle, and a cousin were shot to death, and my son was the only survivor.”

In light of increasing violence in the region, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Mexico, urging tourists to exercise increased caution. The advisory points out that violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and robbery are prevalent and poses significant risks to travelers.

This tragic event has raised serious concerns regarding safety for American citizens traveling in Mexico, prompting calls for improved security measures.