ONE of the two Australian nationals missing and now feared dead in Mexico was originally from Kidderminster, it has been revealed.

Adam Coleman, who was born in Cookley, and his friend Dean Lucas were reported missing more than a week ago while on a road trip in Mexico.

They were last seen on November 20 in the coastal town Los Mochis and were said to be travelling to the city of Guadalajara.

But reports have emerged that the pair’s burnt out camper van, with two bodies inside, has been discovered in Sinaloa on the Pacific Coast.

Adam’s girlfriend Andrea Gomez is taking one of his dreadlocks to the authorities to provide a DNA sample to help with identification while his mother, Zena Cattermole, has also flown out to Mexico from her home in Australia.

His father Ian said the 33-year-old moved to Australia with his mother when he was a six-year-old after his parents’ divorce.

Ian Coleman, who still lives in Kidderminster, said the news about his son has left him “broken”.

He said: “When I first heard the news, it was hard to take in and accept. Adam and Dean had originally gone to Canada to see Dean’s girlfriend before travelling to Mexico.

“He was reported missing for five days but then the news has come through that their van had been found burned out. This has left me broken and I’m trying to get myself together.”

Mr Coleman added: “Adam was born in Cookley and moved out to Australia with his mother when he was a child.

“He is very much into his extreme sports and a national champion surfer. But he is also keen on snowboarding and cliff jumping.”

He said he was now waiting for further news about what has happened to his son.

Adam’s brother Danny, who also still lives in Kidderminster, said: “Adam is such an amazing guy who lives life to the full and everyone who has ever met him loves him.”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a statement on behalf of the families of both.

It said: “The families and partners are aware the van in which they were travelling has been located by Mexican authorities and that a tragic event has occurred.

“The families hold deep fears for the safety of their sons but stress that they are still waiting for details to be confirmed.

“Members of Dean and Adam’s families will be travelling to Mexico in the coming days and working with Australian consular officials and Mexican authorities. We ask for privacy during this enormously difficult time.”