Family of US man found dead in mass grave alongside partner shares heartbreaking tribute
Heartbroken relatives of a man found dead in a mass grave with his partner have broken their silence on the tragedy, vowing to bring 'his legacy forward'.
Zafar Mawani and Guillermo Ortiz, both 56 and had moved from Chicago to Mexico City together, were last seen on 20 May in Huixquilucan, Mexico, after heading out to buy a chairlift for Mawani’s mother.
On 17 June, Mexican authorities announced that they had found the remains of four bodies on the outskirts of Mexico City.
Police have said they have made a number of arrests in relation to the case. The detainees reportedly told authorities where to search for the bodies.
Advert
Shortly after the discovery was made, Mawani’s heartbroken family confirmed that he and Ortiz were two of the victims.
Confirming the tragic news, the family said: "We are grateful beyond words to everyone who tried to help bring Zafar home to us – investigators on the ground, our core strategy and support team, authorities in both countries, generous volunteer organisations, as well as friends and loved ones who stepped forward to help without being asked."
The devastated family has since shared an updated statement with People, paying tribute to Mawani and vowing to continue his legacy.
"Zafar was authentic in a way that made others feel more grounded and seen," the statement read in part.
"He believed in abundance when it came to building genuine connections and creating spaces where people could flourish."
It went on to say that Mawani was deeply committed to his family and had a ‘lifelong devotion to his mother’.
The statement continued: "Zafar showed up for others without needing a reason. We are heartbroken by his loss but we are committed to showing up for him by bringing his legacy forward.
"Zafar Padamsee Mawani was loved. He is loved still."
Loved ones have since set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for a bench memorial bench in Scoville Park in Oak Park, Illinois.
The fundraiser reads: "Guillermo and Zafar were extraordinary. To know them was to love them. They loved hard, treated everyone like family, and made people feel seen. Their warmth brought us together, and losing them leaves a profound void in so many hearts.
"It will be a peaceful place to gather, reflect, and celebrate two gorgeous men who gave so much. This will be a lasting tribute to their beautiful spirits and to the love they lived, loudly and proudly."
Speaking of Ortiz, friend Maggie Reynoso told CBS News: "He wanted to show his husband how beautiful Mexico is. So they were going everywhere, dressing very glamourous, even though we told them to be safe."
She added: "I still can't believe that it's real."
The other two victims are said to be a married couple, aged 56 and 38, however, they have not yet been publicly identified.
Topics: US News
Claire Reid