British expat from Cornwall 'shot dead in front of daughter' in Mexico

Two men reportedly opened fire on a car near Playa del Carmen

Author: Emma HartPublished 14th Mar 2022
Last updated 14th Mar 2022

A British expat from Cornwall has reportedly been shot dead in front of his daughter in Mexico.

According to local media, two men opened fire on a car near the resort of Playa del Carmen.

A state government source told Reuters that 54-year-old Chris Cleave was inside and died at the scene.

Mr Cleave, who was said to have be working as an estate agent in nearby Cancun, had reportedly been travelling in his car with his 14-year-old daughter.

She suffered minor, non life-threatening injuries.

Moving tributes have been paid to the businessman from friends and family on social media, with one describing 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", adding "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".

Just two weeks ago Mr Cleave shared photographs and video of an 80s party in the resort and poked fun at himself in a caption, saying: "Not sure if I was Phil Collins or Don Johnson!".

Mr Cleave, who grew up in Truro, was said to have been a permanent resident of Mexico since 2013.

The prosecutor's office of Quintana Roo said two people had been arrested.

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