A grim discovery in central Colombia is believed to be the remains of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, an American Airlines flight attendant who vanished during a layover last weekend. The disappearance has left his partner “shattered” and authorities are investigating suspected foul play.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez confirmed on social media that a body was found between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias, approximately 60 miles southwest of the city. “There is a very high probability that it is this person,” he stated, as translated from Spanish. The body has been transported to a forensic facility in Medellín for definitive identification. The mayor expressed solidarity with Gutierrez Molina’s family and friends and indicated that authorities have “very clear leads on those responsible” for his disappearance, with a push for extradition. The exact cause of death is still under investigation by a Colombian medical examiner.
Gutierrez Molina, a Dallas-Fort Worth-based flight attendant, was last seen in Medellín after arriving on a flight from Miami for an overnight stop. He was scheduled to work a return flight to Miami the following day but failed to report for duty, triggering immediate concern among his colleagues and loved ones.
According to friends and investigators, Gutierrez Molina socialised with coworkers on Saturday night in Medellín’s popular El Poblado nightlife district. While at a club, they reportedly met two men and decided to continue their evening elsewhere. Later, Gutierrez Molina sent a message to his partner, Ernesto Carranza, sharing his location at an Airbnb in El Poblado, about 12 miles from José María Córdova International Airport. Tragically, all communication ceased shortly after.
“I want to believe that he’s alive, and I want to continue believing that he’s alive, but throughout each day you wake up not knowing anything, and it makes the days go by longer and slower,” Carranza shared with CBS News. He described growing increasingly alarmed on Sunday morning after his repeated attempts to reach Gutierrez Molina went unanswered. His concern escalated when he observed his boyfriend’s phone activity, which appeared to be pinging from two separate locations in Medellín, neither of which was where Gutierrez Molina was supposed to be staying.
A Night of Unfolding Tragedy
The events of that Saturday night have become the focus of the investigation. Gutierrez Molina and a female coworker reportedly went out together. While details of her experience are being kept private out of respect, she too is considered a victim in the unfolding events. She was later found disoriented and required medical attention, with her memory of portions of the night being unclear. It is feared that both individuals may have been drugged, possibly with scopolamine, a substance known for its disorienting and memory-impairing effects, often referred to as “devil’s breath.” The coworker was able to make her way back to their layover hotel.
Colombian investigators have not yet publicly named the individuals believed to have been with Gutierrez Molina, nor have they confirmed any arrests or interrogations, according to NBC 5 DFW. However, the investigation is progressing, with authorities identifying vehicles and phones potentially linked to suspects, offering crucial leads.
Missing persons reports have been officially filed in both Addison, Texas, and Medellín. The alert issued in Medellín noted that Gutierrez Molina was last seen early Sunday morning in the residential La América neighbourhood, an area not typically frequented by tourists.
Support and Travel Advisories
American Airlines has issued a statement confirming their active engagement with local law enforcement and their commitment to supporting Gutierrez Molina’s family during this difficult time.
The disappearance also occurs against the backdrop of a U.S. State Department travel advisory for Colombia, which currently urges Americans to “reconsider travel” due to ongoing concerns about widespread violent crime.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation into Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina’s case.
