Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant found dead in Colombia, Medellín mayor says
A Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant who vanished in Medellín last weekend was found dead Friday in Colombia, officials said. The victim was identified as 32-year-old Fernando Gutierrez. According to an update on social media from Medellín’s mayor, a body was located between Jericó and Puente Iglesias.
Gutierrez’s father, who is currently in Medellín, was notified, as was the U.S. Ambassador to Colombia. It is not yet clear if Gutierrez was the victim of a crime. A medical examiner in Colombia is still working to determine his cause of death. Gutierrez disappeared on Saturday night while in Medellín for a routine layover and had been scheduled to work a flight to Miami the following day, according to local reports.
He reportedly shared his location at an Airbnb shortly before he went missing, and friends and coworkers filed a missing person report with local authorities. In a statement, American Airlines said it was “actively engaged” with local law enforcement and was providing support to Gutierrez’s family during the ongoing investigation.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants said it was supporting efforts to locate their colleague. Earlier in the week, Gutierrez’s sister said the family was not yet ready to comment. The investigation in Colombia is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details.