An American Airlines flight attendant has been reported missing in Medellín, Colombia, after disappearing during a crew layover. Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, was last seen early Sunday in the La America neighborhood, a residential area of the city.
Search Efforts Underway
Gutierrez Molina, based out of Dallas-Fort Worth, arrived in Colombia on Saturday night on a flight from Miami. He and his colleagues had an overnight layover and were scheduled to return to Miami on Sunday morning, according to reports from Telemedellín, a local public television channel.
Authorities in Medellin issued a missing person’s alert. A friend, Sharom Gil, told Telemedellín that Gutierrez Molina was found disoriented and taken to a medical center, but his current location is unknown. Missing persons reports have been filed in both Dallas and Medellín, and the U.S. Embassy in Colombia has been notified.
Airline and Union Response
American Airlines released a statement saying they are “actively engaged with local law enforcement officials in their investigation and doing all You can to support our team member’s family during this time.” The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union representing American Airlines flight attendants, stated it is “actively supporting all efforts to facilitate locate our missing colleague in Colombia.”
Arturo Fontes, a retired FBI agent with nearly 30 years of experience in missing persons cases, noted that cases like these are not uncommon, and often result in the individual being found alive, though disoriented. He emphasized the importance of a rapid response from Colombian officials, who are likely to focus on the last known location – such as bars or restaurants – and review security camera footage, as well as tracking the individual’s cellphone if available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina last seen?
Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina was last seen early Sunday in the La America neighborhood of Medellín, Colombia.
What is American Airlines doing to help?
American Airlines stated they are actively engaged with local law enforcement and are supporting the family of their missing team member.
Has the U.S. Embassy been notified?
Yes, the airline notified the U.S. Embassy in Colombia of Gutierrez Molina’s disappearance.
What factors might influence the outcome of the search for Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina?
