A tragic weekend fishing trip has ended in the death of 37-year-old Luciano Acosta at Honey Camp, a popular outdoor recreational spot in Belize’s Orange Walk District, with local law enforcement confirming no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
The fatal event unfolded early Sunday morning, after Acosta and his 41-year-old companion Eliseo Escalante finished an evening of socializing with family members. According to initial investigative reports, the pair decided to head out fishing at approximately 3:00 a.m., after both had consumed alcoholic beverages. They got into a small canoe to navigate the area’s lagoon, but the vessel quickly capsized, throwing both men into the water.
Escalante was able to swim to a stand of nearby mangroves, where he successfully called for emergency assistance. Search crews responding to the call ultimately located Acosta’s body floating face-up at the edge of a small islet within the lagoon. The Belize Police Department has stated that it does not suspect foul play in Acosta’s death, and the investigation is ongoing to confirm the exact sequence of events that led to the drowning.
Since news of Acosta’s passing broke, tributes have poured in from community members and local organizations that knew him well. Honey Camp Ranch, the operator of the popular recreational site, released an official online statement confirming the death and honoring Acosta’s long connection to the property. The ranch described Acosta as a years-long supporter of their work, noting that he was always unapologetically authentic, true to himself, and eager to share the beauty and culture of Belize with every visitor and acquaintance he met.
Acosta’s friends and neighbors have also shared their grief publicly online. One close neighbor, who described Acosta as his “double neighbor,” wrote that the community was still reeling from the unexpected loss. “Can’t believe you are gone, my double neighbour. It was a sad day for us around the lagoon yesterday. Your dad was in so much pain. You left a void in the neighbourhood. May your wonderful soul rest in eternal peace,” the tribute read. The tragedy has highlighted the ongoing risks of early-morning recreational boating after alcohol consumption in Belize’s coastal and lagoon districts, with safety advocates reminding outdoor enthusiasts to avoid operating watercraft while impaired and to wear life jackets at all times when on the water.