A TikTok star said it was “torture” knowing his mum was involved in a Mexico shooting.
Gary Paterson thought his family had been involved in a terrorist attack after waking up to frantic missed calls and messages on Sunday.
The 35-year-old, from the Southside, was then stunned to find out his parents, aunt, and cousin had actually been caught in the middle of a fatal shooting on the beach in Cancun.
We previously reported how men on jet skis opened fire to target a rival drug dealer, according to Mexican officials, but instead killed a 12-year-old boy.
READ MORE: Glasgow mum describes horror as men in jet skis fire shots in Cancun
Gary told the Glasgow Times: “I woke up to missed calls and messages from my family and thought they had been involved in a terrorist attack.
“I was petrified, I didn't know what to do. I was stuck at home and they felt like the opposite side of the world. It was complete torture.
“They were screaming and panicking on the phone telling me they had been shot at on the beach but didn’t know what was going on.
“The signal wasn’t great and I had to standby for updates, sometimes I couldn’t get through and was scared to think the worst had happened.
“There were only about 40 people on the beach. It wasn't busy that day so the chances of them getting hit were high. I can’t believe it happened and I am just so glad to have them home with me now.”
@_gary_paterson Thankful is the word 👌🏽❤️🥰 #garypaterson #homesafe ♬ original sound - Gary Paterson 🥇
Gary shot to social media fame after posting funny clips on his TikTok page to his 348.9K followers.
His mother Mary Paterson, 60, frequently starred in his videos before being caught up in the shooting in Cancun.
She was forced to “run for her life” with her sister Tracey Cannon, 45, her husband Jim Paterson, 60, and niece Carys Cannon, 19.
They had been relaxing on Kukulcán Boulevard when Tracey heard loud “bangs” which she mistook for fireworks before seeing men with guns on jet skis.
She was then ordered to “get down” and take cover behind sun loungers while watching victims get CPR.
The family had been unaware of UK Government advice which warns against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico, as rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas.
@_gary_paterson This is actual fear !! 🫣🥴 #garypaterson #cancun ♬ original sound - Gary Paterson 🥇
Gary said: “I normally always book up to go with them on holiday but something stopped me this time, I don’t know what.
“On one hand I was grateful not to be anywhere near it, but I just felt so helpless at home not being able to do anything.
“We had no idea that there were warnings not to travel to Mexico, more people need to be aware of how dangerous it is.
“We have other loved ones booked up to go soon but are hoping they change their mind, I am scared about their trip.
“I just got my family back. I don't want to lose anyone.”
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