Tragic Shooting: Arizona Marine Loses Life During Rocky Point Beach Trip with Friends

TUCSON, Arizona — Tragedy struck a Tucson family when Nicholas Douglas Quets was shot and killed on the road to Rocky Point, Mexico, on Friday. Authorities in Sonora are currently investigating the incident.

According to the Sonora Attorney General’s Office, Quets was a victim of a “direct attack” along the Caborca-Altar highway. Eyewitness reports state that armed individuals approached his vehicle and opened fire. Despite the swift arrival of paramedics, Quets succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The family expressed their grief as they mourn the loss of Nicholas, who had just been laid to rest. Warren Quets, Nicholas’s father, and his brother-in-law Phil Sweet spoke with News 4 Tucson, asserting their demand for justice as no arrests have yet been made.

Officials in Sonora have initiated a special operation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for this senseless act. Meanwhile, Warren Quets has noted a lack of communication from federal representatives regarding the case and has reached out to local leaders for justice and support.

“Nicholas’s death occurred just 30 miles from the U.S. border. We believe U.S. law enforcement needs to be involved in this investigation,” Warren stated, emphasizing the urgency for government action.

Nicholas Quets was born into a military family, starting his life in Panama while his father served there. He dedicated himself to military service, completing four years in the Marine Corps and earning several degrees from Pima Community College. His final employment was with Pima County, where he worked on water reclamation projects.

The family described Nicholas as the “life of the party” and a positive influence, especially on his children. Phil Sweet lamented that “these cowards in Mexico,” presumed to be cartel members, stole a beloved family member from them.

This incident isn’t isolated; earlier this year, two elderly women from Arizona were also murdered in the same area, raising concerns about safety for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico. The family believes increased measures must be adopted on both sides of the border to protect tourists.

Reflecting on past family trips to the Mexican coast, Warren noted, “He went down there this time for relaxation and enjoyment. Unfortunately, he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.”