Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, American Airlines Flight Attendant, Feared Dead After Disappearing During Colombia Layover as Mayor Reports Body Found

A missing American Airlines flight attendant who vanished during a layover in Colombia is now feared dead after authorities reported the discovery of a body during search efforts.

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, a U.S. citizen based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, disappeared over the weekend while in Medellín, Colombia, during what was supposed to be a routine overnight layover.

Gutierrez Molina had arrived late Saturday night on a flight from Miami and was scheduled to return to the United States early Sunday morning. However, he never made it back to the airport, prompting concern among coworkers and family members.

According to investigators, Gutierrez Molina went out Saturday night with two fellow crew members. At some point, he reportedly left with a female coworker and several unidentified individuals to continue the evening at another location. He was not seen or heard from again.

The area where he was last known to be—Medellín’s El Poblado district—is a popular nightlife destination frequented by tourists.

Concern escalated when Gutierrez Molina failed to report for his return flight. His longtime partner later said attempts to contact him were unsuccessful, and his phone appeared to ping in locations not near his hotel.

Adding to the uncertainty, one of the coworkers who had been with him reportedly told authorities she could not recall parts of the night.

Officials have not confirmed what occurred, but there have been growing concerns that Gutierrez Molina may have been the victim of foul play. Some reports have raised the possibility of drugging, including the use of scopolamine—a substance sometimes linked to crimes targeting unsuspecting victims.

On Friday, Medellín Mayor Federico “Fico” Gutiérrez announced that a “lifeless body” had been discovered in a rural area between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias during the search.

“There is a very high probability that it is this person,” the mayor said, adding that the body has been transported to the coroner’s office for formal identification.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and no official cause of death has been released.

In a statement, American Airlines said it is working closely with local law enforcement and is supporting Gutierrez Molina’s family during the investigation.

The U.S. State Department confirmed it is aware of the situation and is monitoring developments, while the U.S. Embassy in Colombia has not released additional details, citing privacy restrictions.

The case continues to unfold as officials work to confirm the identity of the body and determine the circumstances surrounding Gutierrez Molina’s disappearance.