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, in a disappearance that has left his partner “shattered.”
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez confirmed Friday on social media that the body was found between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias, about 60 miles southwest of the city. “There is a very high probability that it is this person,” he wrote on X, referring to Gutierrez Molina. The mayor expressed solidarity with the family and said authorities suspect foul play, adding that officials “have very clear leads on those responsible” and urged extradition.
Gutierrez Molina, a Dallas–Fort Worth-based crew member, was last seen in Medellín after arriving from Miami for an overnight stop. He failed to report for a return flight. Friends said he went out with coworkers on Saturday night in the El Poblado district, met two men, and later shared his location at an Airbnb before all communication stopped. A female coworker was found disoriented and required medical attention, raising fears that the pair may have been drugged with scopolamine, known as “devil’s breath.”
Ernesto Carranza, Gutierrez Molina’s partner, told CBS News: “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.” His best friend, Sharom Gil, added: “I'm missing a part of me ... He's the most joyful person to ever to be around.”
Colombian investigators have identified vehicles and phones linked to suspects but have not released names or confirmed any arrests. Missing persons reports have been filed in Texas and Medellín. An American Airlines spokesperson said the company is “actively engaged with local law enforcement” and supporting the family. The U.S. State Department continues to advise Americans to “reconsider travel” to Colombia due to violent crime.
