Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a spring break hotspot because of the close proximity of the beach and a legal drinking age of 18 years old.
Many UA students have made the trip safe and sound, but for three young adults in September 1999, the trip was deadly.
Three people died after a car accident on the way to Rocky Point due to the lack of medical response and supplies in the rural area of Mexico between the border and the beach, reports say. Had the proper attention and technology been available, the outcome might have been different.
“”Wings for Angels,”” is a non-profit foundation working to bring more medical attention and support to clinics in Mexico for natives and American tourists alike.
The parents of Kelsey Thomsen, one of the victims who died in the car accident, started the non-profit foundation.
For the next three days, honor students from the contemporary biology in human affairs course, will be on the UA Mall to raise awareness, supplies and donations for the foundation as a project for their class.
“”Our class looked at a few different places to help,”” said Adeel Yang, a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology and economics. “”This is where we feel it is needed the most. This is an opportunity for UA students to help out too.””
“”It’s good to know when you travel someone is out there to help you if you need it,”” said Sarah Pike, a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology. “”It puts friends and family at ease to know people are looking out for their loved ones when they’re in Mexico. Accidents happen and Americans get hurt when traveling in Mexico.””