A body discovered in central Colombia is believed to be Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, the American Airlines flight attendant who vanished during a layover last weekend, according to Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez. The mayor confirmed on social media that the body was found between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias, about 60 miles southwest of Medellín.
Authorities suspect foul play and have identified potential suspects, urging extradition. The cause of death is under investigation by a Colombian medical examiner. Gutierrez Molina, based in Dallas–Fort Worth, was last seen in Medellín after arriving from Miami for an overnight stop. He failed to report for his return flight, prompting alarm among colleagues and loved ones.
Friends and investigators say Gutierrez Molina went out with coworkers on Saturday night in Medellín’s El Poblado district. At a club, they met two men and continued to another location. He later shared his location at an Airbnb in El Poblado, but communication ceased. His partner, Ernesto Carranza, grew alarmed Sunday when calls went unanswered and phone activity showed pings from two unfamiliar locations in Medellín.
A female coworker who was with Gutierrez Molina was later found disoriented and required medical attention. Family and friends fear the pair may have been drugged with scopolamine, known as “devil’s breath,” which can cause confusion and memory loss. Colombian investigators have identified vehicles and phones linked to suspects but have not released names or confirmed arrests.
Missing persons reports have been filed in Addison, Texas, and Medellín. The Medellín alert said Gutierrez Molina was last seen early Sunday in the La América neighbourhood. American Airlines stated they are cooperating with local authorities and supporting the family. The disappearance coincides with a US State Department travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Colombia due to violent crime.
