A missing North Carolina teacher was killed while traveling in Mexico in late October, his family said in a new update.
Patrick Braxton-Andrew had gone missing weeks ago. He was a Spanish teacher at Woodlawn School in Iredell County.
On a Facebook page his family created to keep people informed, an update was posted on Nov. 15 informing supporters that they received information indicating that Braxton-Andrew was killed by a criminal organization.
“Based on information provided by the Chihuahua State authorities, it is with great sadness that we announce that Patrick died on October 28th at the hands of a criminal organization that operates in the area where he was traveling. The search continues to recover his body so we can bring him back home,” the post said.
The family thanked authorities in Chihuahua and said they’re committed to finding those responsible to bring them to justice.
“Patrick died doing what he loved—traveling and meeting people. Join us in celebrating his life as he would want us to do. We will always remember Patrick and his joy for life. We love you PBA,” the family added.
Sad announcement about missing Davidson grad and Mooresville teacher Patrick Braxton-Andrew: "Based on information provided by the Chihuahua State authorities… Patrick died on October 28th at the hands of a criminal organization that operates in the area where he was traveling" pic.twitter.com/zqNznR9gd2
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) November 15, 2018
‘Criminal’
Javier Corral, the governor of Chihuahua, said in a statement that investigators think the American teacher was killed by a drug trafficker named José Noriel Portilo Gil, also known as “El Chueco.”
“Through the advances in the investigation, I can say that it was a cowardly and brutal assassination of a person who was totally innocent, a clean man whose misfortune was to cross paths with this criminal,” Corral wrote.
He said he will bring the family justice.
“I have already experienced several hard and sad moments in my role as governor, and the one that I lived yesterday with Gary Braxton, the father of Patrick, informing him of the tragic event, has broken my heart,” Corral said.
“I also informed him and his beautiful family that not only are we going to find Patrick’s body, but we are going to do him justice and deliver exemplary punishment to this delinquent and his gang, who have paradoxically, by acting with such cowardice, put an end to their influence and the control of that area under the Sinaloa cartel,” he continued.
School Closed
After news of the death emerged, Woodlawn School said it would be closed on Friday.
“Today we learned of the passing of Patrick Braxton-Andrew. We are devastated by the loss of our beloved teacher, community member, and friend,” school officials said in a statement on the school’s website.
“Out of respect and remembrance for Patrick, school will be closed on Friday, November 16. There will be counselors available on campus tomorrow, and walk-ins are welcomed.” The statement continued, “All athletic practices for today and tomorrow are canceled, and Woodlawn Night at Cornelius Drafthouse & Bottle Shop will be postponed. We are grateful for all that Patrick has brought to our Woodlawn family and are sending love to the Braxton-Andrews.”
