Davidson Rallies With Yellow Ribbons After Teacher’s Body Found

DAVIDSON, NC — The body of Patrick Braxton-Andrew, a Davidson native and teacher at the Woodlawn School in Mooresville, has been found, three weeks after he went missing in late October while vacationing in a remote area of Mexico. The news comes days after the 34-year-old’s family announced that he had been murdered at the hands of a criminal organization.

“It is with a sense of relief that we are able to confirm that Patrick's body has been recovered and we will be able to bring him home soon,” the family said Sunday via a Facebook page devoted to the search for him.

The news is a devastating blow for the Lake Norman community who have held a vigil and began tying yellow ribbons around trees and posts when he was reported missing. The town is now turning to the ribbons to show support for Braxton-Andrew’s family.

“In the coming days, please join the entire town in tying a yellow ribbon around a tree in your yard to blanket the town and signify hope and support for his family as they bring him home,” said a Facebook message posted to Save Davidson.

Members of the community are meeting on the steps of the Davidson Public Library Monday at 1 p.m. to make and distribute yellow ribbons.

Braxton-Andrew’s family announced his death Nov. 15. "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," they said in a statement.

"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."

A spanish teacher at the Woodlawn School in Mooresville, Braxton-Andrew frequently traveled to Latin America on vacation. According to earlier reports, he had traveled to the town of Urique in late October to hike the Copper Canyon and was to meet his brother in Mexico City on Oct. 30. His family reported him missing when he didn't arrive.

Early search efforts were focused on hiking trails in the canyon gorge area, with about 20-50 searchers coming the terrain Nov. 1, according to an update by his family on the Facebook page devoted to relaying information about search and rescue efforts. "They are checking trails in the local area as it is believed that Patrick was either injured while hiking or has gotten lost," the site said.

By Nov. 3, the search included state and local Mexican authorities, and had expanded to neighboring towns.

However, after personal items such as a laptop, debit card, hiking shoes and camera were found in his hotel room, his family deduced he had not been on a hike when he went missing.
"He's a missing person, not a missing hiker," his brother Kerry told the Washington Post in a recent interview.

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