**The Tragic Circle of Eddy Carrillo**
On November 7, 2024, at 1:22 PM, the State Attorney General’s Office received a report from the Todos Somos Erick Carrillo Foundation about a clandestine grave with skeletal remains at a site previously explored in Tijuana. This site had previously yielded about 20 bodies, found on a slope in the El Lago neighborhood. Later that day, skeletal remains were uncovered, adorned with distinct clothing, which Eddy Carrillo, leader of the foundation, recognized as belonging to his son, Erick.
Eddy Carrillo’s mission began when his son Erick, who had come from the U.S. to Tijuana for a family event in 2019, went missing. Disheartened by the lack of progress from authorities, Eddy joined forces with other search groups, ultimately creating a foundation dedicated to the tireless search. His efforts culminated in the heart-wrenching discovery that linked his son’s remains to those found on November 28, through a 99.99% DNA match with maternal DNA of Francisco Iván Rosales Ayala, another missing individual connected to Erick’s case.
Eddy expressed relief and closure, announcing his upcoming retirement from active searching, scheduled for June 1, 2025, six years since Erick’s disappearance. His foundation has been instrumental, finding numerous missing persons, both living and deceased, over hundreds of searches across various sites. Eddy’s initiative has changed lives, empowering families and communities to take action in finding their loved ones despite the daunting challenges.
**Secondary Article: Community and Resilience—The Broader Impacts of Eddy Carrillo’s Mission**
Beyond the personal tragedy of losing his son, Eddy Carrillo’s journey has ignited a movement that stands as a testament to resilience and community solidarity in Mexico. The foundation he established has provided a platform for thousands, offering not only hope but also practical assistance to those searching for the missing.
In recent years, the issue of disappearances in regions like Baja California has gained attention, as groups like the Todos Somos Erick Carrillo Foundation shed light on the scale of this humanitarian crisis. Estimates suggest that over 23,000 people have gone missing in the past five years alone in the area. Organizations similar to Eddy’s have pushed for more effective responses from authorities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies and better resources for families affected by these tragedies.
Eddy Carrillo’s activism has extended internationally, with collaborations and acknowledgments from similar groups in the United States and beyond. This cross-border network of support highlights the universal nature of the struggle against forced disappearances and the shared human quest for justice and closure.
While Eddy plans to step back and return to a quieter life, his legacy lives on through the dedicated volunteers who continue this vital work. Their shared mission underscores a resilient community determined to stand against violence and loss, advocating for every missing individual to be found and remembered.