No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeHuman head found in Costa Rica river likely belongs to Nicaraguan man...

Human head found in Costa Rica river likely belongs to Nicaraguan man attacked by crocodiles

A human head washed ashore on the banks of the Tárcoles River, near Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, on Thursday morning and was recovered by agents from the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ). OIJ officials said it likely belonged to Omar de Jesús Jirón, a 32-year-old Nicaraguan man who was eaten by crocodiles after attempting to swim in the river on Tuesday.

Forensics specialists are now analyzing DNA to confirm the identity.

According to an OIJ incident report, Jirón and co-worker Victor Brénes were fired from their jobs as construction workers at the Parrita Hospital Tuesday afternoon. Jirón and Brénes then boarded a bus and began drinking alcohol. When the bus stopped near the Tárcoles bridge, both Jirón and Brénes exited the bus – or were removed by the bus driver – and Jirón reportedly told Brénes he wanted to go for a swim.

According to testimony from Brénes, Jirón headed to the riverbank and began removing his clothes, which were recovered from the scene. Despite warnings from Brénes, Jirón swam out into the water where he was quickly pursued by at least six crocodiles before he was attacked, dismembered and pulled under the water. Conflicting statements from other witnesses on the bridge say Jirón jumped from the bridge, which the Red Cross told The Tico Times in several previous statements.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Pride March 2025 Defies Restrictions and Celebrates Diversity

A large crowd gathered in Paseo Colón, San José, to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Pride March 2025. It began at noon, as people marched...

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function....

Costa Rica and U.S. Strengthen Border Scans and Biometric Cooperation

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem met Wednesday with Honduran President Xiomara Castro to discuss security and migration, following her offer in Costa...

Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry, Easing Travel for Tourists

Costa Rica took a big step forward, by officially joining the U.S. Global Entry program, a move set to make travel smoother for Costa...

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

U.S. – Guatemala Security Pact Targets Crime and Helps Returning Migrants

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a border security cooperation agreement with Guatemala on Thursday, which includes the use of drones and...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica