Friends described Truro man Chris Cleave as “an absolute legend”.
A British man has died after reportedly being shot in front of his teenage daughter at a popular Mexican resort.
According to local media, two men opened fire on a car near the popular tourist spot of Playa del Carmen.
Chris Cleave, 54, from Cornwall, was inside and died at the scene, according to a state government source.
Mr. Cleave was reportedly traveling in his car with his 14-year-old daughter, who worked as an estate agent in nearby Cancun. Her injuries were mild and not life-threatening.
On social media, friends and family have offered moving tributes to the businessman.
One described him as an “absolute legend”.
Another said: “My friend, colleague, brother was ridiculously happy in life, so let us celebrate that life rather than weep over death.”
Janal Lewis said trips to Cancun would not be the same without meeting the British ex-pat “to give you your PG Tips”.
Lesley Anne Hughes said she was “shocked and saddened”.
She added: “I can’t believe what I’ve just heard.”
Diana Von Schirmeister said: “The outpouring of gratitude for your friendship and grief-stricken hearts on your page are just tiny proof of how many hearts and lives you touched.”
Mr. Cleave just shared photos and video of an 80s party at the resort two weeks ago, with a comment that poked fun at himself, saying: “Not sure if I was Phil Collins or Don Johnson!”
Rise in violence
According to the prosecutor’s office of Quintana Roo, two suspects were arrested following the shooting on suspicion of involvement in the murder.
According to the office, they had a gun in their possession at the time of the arrest, which could have been utilized.
Mr. Cleave was claimed to have lived in Mexico permanently since 2013. He was born and brought up in Truro.
Late last year, the Mexican government stationed National Guard troops in Quintana Roo in response to an increase in organized crime-related violence, which included gunfights that killed two foreign tourists and a beachfront gang slaying that forced hotel guests to escape for their safety.