The family of Eric Fernando Gutiérrez Molina, a 32-year-old American Airlines flight attendant from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has confirmed that a body found in Colombia is that of their missing relative. Gutiérrez Molina vanished on March 21 after a night out with a colleague during a layover in Medellín.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez announced on social media that a lifeless body was discovered between the municipality of Jericó and Puente Iglesias, with a high probability it was the missing flight attendant. He personally delivered the news to Gutiérrez Molina's father, who was in Medellín. On Monday, the victim's sister, Mayra Gutiérrez, told NBC News that Colombian authorities had identified the body as her brother.
Gutiérrez Molina's brother, Kelvin Gutierrez, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to repatriate the body to Texas. The page described Fernando as a 'ball of sunshine' and a 'docile, charismatic, goofy man who always provided a helping hand.' The family is seeking donations to bring him home.
Medellín Security Secretary Manuel Villa said at a news conference that Gutiérrez Molina and his colleague had encountered individuals with a history of theft who used scopolamine, a drug that can cause dizziness and hallucinations. The colleague returned to her hotel disoriented, but Gutiérrez Molina did not. Mayor Gutiérrez stated that investigations are advanced and that those responsible may face extradition.
American Airlines expressed heartbreak over the tragic passing, offering support to the family and assisting Colombian law enforcement. The Independent has contacted the airline and the family for further comment.
