The loss of Alon Mendez has left his family, friends and community heartbroken. On a recent trip to Jaco Beach in Costa Rica, Alon went into the water just once at 6pm, was caught in a powerful rip current, and disappeared in less than ten minutes. The search for him is still ongoing, and his family is facing unimaginable pain and uncertainty. Tragically, Alon was the fourth drowning at Jaco Beach in just one week, and hundreds of others have had close calls or near escapes. Over 200 people drown there every year, yet there are no warning signs, no lifeguards, no life preservers, and no emergency help phones or lights. Flags are inconsistent and often removed by midday, leaving visitors unaware of the dangers. Locals share endless stories of loss and frustration, and everyone wants this to stop—but they need support and action to make real change. We are raising funds to help Alon’s family with the costs of transportation, accommodations, funeral services, and the extended search efforts needed to bring him home to the United States. In addition, we want to launch an awareness campaign to push for safety signs, life-saving flotation devices, and lifeguards at Jaco Beach, so no other family has to endure this heartbreak. 100% of your contribution will go directly to Alon’s family and to making Jaco Beach safer for everyone. Please keep Alon’s family in your prayers, and thank you for supporting Long Live Alon. Your generosity will help us honor his memory and protect others from senseless tragedy.

For clarity with GoFund me- this fundraiser was established by me- Paul Wallace by the request of his parents, Javier and Shalece Mendez. 

Alon was with me on this trip and sadly drowned while fighting a rip tide. The boys were in the water for 10 minutes before I arrived and he was already gone. He went into the water once.

Thank you for helping find him, bring him home to the USA, hold his remembrance services and activate preventive measures so that no one else is lost.

100% of all funds collected are distributed to the Mendez family for all reasons listed above.