A Canadian citizen died on Thursday morning in a building located in the Laureles neighborhood, in commune 11 (Laureles-Estadio), Medellín, after falling from the 11th floor under circumstances that are currently being investigated. The incident took place after this individual had been celebrating a birthday with three women.
The events were reported at 6:20 AM on Thursday at the intersection of Carrera 78 and Calle 33A, in this western Medellín neighborhood. The victim was identified as Ryan Edward Snyder, 39, who worked as a home restorer in Canada and had arrived in Medellín the previous Monday to meet a young woman he had met through social media with whom he had an established relationship.
According to witnesses, Snyder and the three women had been partying since the previous night to celebrate the birthday of his partner. In the early morning hours, the sound of the fall could be heard outside the building, and when they went to check, they found the lifeless body of the tourist.
Initial reports based on witness accounts suggest that the Canadian exhibited strange behavior due to alcohol consumption and the presence of certain narcotic substances found at the residence, which had been discarded from the balcony.
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Agents from the Sijín of the Metropolitan Police conducted an inspection of the deceased and are progressing in the investigation to verify this account or, alternatively, to determine if it was an accidental fall or a homicide.
Upon entering the residence, several 2CB (tusi) pills were discovered along with numerous empty beer cans.
Before this tragedy, the foreigner had taken a short trip to Panama with his partner and had accommodations in the El Poblado neighborhood, according to intelligence reports.
This marks the second foreigner’s death this week, as last Sunday, in the Playa Rica neighborhood of Bello, an apparently health-related death occurred involving a Spanish man, Francisco Javier Abad López, 60 years old.
With these two recent cases, there have been 41 non-Venezuelan foreigners who have died in the Aburrá Valley this year, of which six died by suicide, if the initial hypothesis of this incident is confirmed. Of these, 39 were fatalities in Medellín.
Read more: Portuguese man found dead inside a hotel in El Poblado, Medellín
Tragic Death of Canadian Citizen in Medellín Raises Questions About Tourist Safety
A Canadian citizen died on Thursday morning in a building in the Laureles neighborhood, in commune 11 (Laureles-Estadio), in Medellín, after falling from the 11th floor in circumstances that are being investigated. The events occurred after this foreigner was partying with three women during a birthday celebration.
The incident took place at 6:20 AM on Carrera 78 with Calle 33A, and the victim was Ryan Edward Snyder, 39, who worked as a home restorer in Canada. He had arrived in Medellín just the previous Monday to meet a young woman he had connected with via social media, with whom he had established a formal relationship.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses reported that Snyder and the three women had been partying since the previous night to celebrate the birthday of his partner. In the early hours of the morning, a loud crash was heard outside the building, and upon inspection, they discovered Snyder’s lifeless body.
Initial witness accounts suggest Snyder exhibited unusual behaviors as a result of consuming alcohol and possibly narcotics. It was reported that substances, including 2CB (tusi), were found in the apartment, and some had allegedly been discarded off the balcony.
Police Investigation Underway
Agents from the Sijín of the Metropolitan Police conducted an inspection of the scene and the deceased’s body, progressing with investigations to verify whether this incident was an accidental fall or the result of foul play.
During their investigation, police discovered several packets of 2CB and multiple empty beer cans within the residence.
Snyder’s Recent Activities in Medellín
Prior to this tragic event, Snyder had traveled with his partner on a short trip to Panama and was staying in the El Poblado neighborhood of Medellín, according to local intelligence reports.
Surge in Tourist Deaths Sparks Concerns
This incident marks the second foreigner to pass away within a week in Medellín. Last Sunday, a 60-year-old Spaniard named Francisco Javier Abad López reportedly died due to health complications in the Playa Rica neighborhood of Bello.
With the addition of these two cases, there have been 41 non-Venezuelan foreigner deaths this year in the Aburrá Valley, of which six have been categorized as suicides if the current hypothesis concerning Snyder’s death is substantiated. Notably, 39 of these fatalities occurred in Medellín itself.
Read more: Portuguese man found dead inside a hotel in El Poblado, Medellín
What Tourists Should Know About Safety in Medellín
As Medellín continues to attract tourists from around the globe, understanding safety precautions is vital. Below are some practical tips for ensuring a safe experience while enjoying the vibrant culture and nightlife of Medellín.
Safety Tips for Tourists
- Stay In Groups: Traveling with others can increase safety, particularly during night outings.
- Research Locations: Know which neighborhoods are safe for tourists. While places like El Poblado and Laureles are generally safe, it’s wise to stay informed about current events.
- Use Licensed Transportation: Opt for registered taxi services or ridesharing apps for safe transportation.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Monitor your alcohol intake and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep emergency numbers handy, including local law enforcement and your country’s embassy.
Understanding the Local Culture
Engaging with the local culture can enhance your experience. Here are some recommendations:
- Attend Local Events: Participate in community festivals and events scheduled throughout the year.
- Try Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Colombian dishes at reputable restaurants.
- Learn Basic Spanish: Knowing a few key phrases can significantly improve communication and interactions.
Conclusion
The tragic incident involving Ryan Edward Snyder serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety awareness while traveling. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for both locals and visitors alike to prioritize safety and communication in times of uncertainty.