Ohio expatriate found shot dead while camping on Puerto Rico’s Playa La Selva
Tyler Wilkin, a 35-year-old Ohio native living in Puerto Rico, was discovered with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head after camping on a remote beach near Luquillo.
Tyler Wilkin, 35, relocated from Ohio to Puerto Rico in 2024 and was found dead on July 10 after a camping trip at the secluded Playa La Selva near Luquillo. He suffered a single bullet wound to the back of his head, an execution-style killing. Prior to his death, Wilkin texted companions about hearing howling sounds and fireworks, later noting the “howler” was returning and becoming “rowdy.”
His girlfriend, Iva Mo, relayed these messages, and a friend named Trigger Ray shared a fundraiser link to cover costs for a private investigator. The case has drawn attention from one outlet, which has sought comments from the Policía de Puerto Rico. Wilkin’s obituary notes he was born in Wilmington, Ohio, survived by his parents and four siblings, and enjoyed outdoor activities.
Why it matters
The murder highlights safety concerns for tourists and expatriates in remote Puerto Rican locales.
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