“Accidental death” for spring breaker

As the warnings were high and seemingly posted everywhere, flights into Mexico continued and the tourists flocked just as heavy as ever.  From the vacationing family in Cancun to the partying co-eds in Acapulco, even the U.S. department of state had warned about the travel risks and advisories surrounding the Mexican travel tendencies.

Though travel advisories may have turned some tropical vacationers astray, others remained committed to their original itineraries consisting of international flights and swimsuits.

At least that was the case for 20 year-old Josh Gunderson and two of his friends, all St. Thomas university students originally from Stillwater, Minn.

Though Gunderson’s death was “ruled accidental”, speculations arise on whether or not it was wise for three college students to be traveling to such “dangerous” destinations to begin with.

Fellow MIAC school Bethel University, took Homeland Security warnings so seriously that the Mexico missions trip was relocated to El Paso, Texas in attempts to stray from any unavoidable dangers in Mexico.

“These students are answering the call to be salt and light wherever they are,” says Matt Runion, associate campus pastor at Bethel. “They are engaging in conversations with community members, bus drivers, and others they encounter in passing. I think this is ‘missions in the moment.’ Seeking out where God is at work and participating with God right there.”

As reports surface of “ritzy tourists” being murdered in their condominiums right downtown Puerto Vallarta, one would hopefully think twice about their upcoming vacation to that very city.

But not Gunderson and his buddies. A trip already planned, and presumably paid for, would not be forgone just because of a little security risk. Probably a choice those two friends will forever regret, the Mexican getaway quickly turned fatal for that one unlucky springbreaker.

I’m not suggesting terminating any preexisting Mexican vacation plans, or even ruling out that kind of travel all together, I just think there are appropriate times for taking those kinds of security risks very seriously and also times for taking them into consideration but moving forward with original ideas.

Star Tribune reported that Mexican authorities continue to investigate what they are calling an “accidental death” with “no indication of violence.” A simple bump of the head and Gunderson was reportedly unconscious and later died.

Amidst the threats and constant orange-level security in all national airports, it’s easy to forget that fate may have means of its own for dangers and deaths. Although this young college student may not have died during foul play or because of irresponsibility, his story serves as a reminder that we are not invincible and surely not incapable of sudden and unexpected life changes.

As spring break travels have peaked and now begin to decline, I suspect security advisories will continue to warn travelers of expected risks and eager vacationers will still jet out of town. Whether the state department’s warnings are viewed as over-the-top or absolutely necessary, one thing is for sure: Those warnings are a service to travelers and simply a means of keeping vacationers in the know and well aware of the constant risks of international travels. Better safe than sorry, right?