A routine international layover turned into a tragedy for an American Airlines crew based out of Dallas, after a 32-year-old flight attendant was found dead in Colombia. The man, identified by colleagues as Fernando Gutierrez, vanished Saturday night while in Medellín and never showed up for his scheduled flight back to Miami. Colombian authorities later recovered a body and say the circumstances surrounding his death remain under active investigation, as per FOX 4.
Discovery and official notice
Officials said the body was found between the towns of Jericó and Puente Iglesias in the Antioquia region. Gutierrez's father, who traveled to Medellín, was notified of the discovery. The mayor of Medellín shared an update on social media, and the U.S. ambassador to Colombia was informed, according to FOX 4. Colombian medical examiners are working to determine the cause of death, and investigators have not said whether they suspect foul play.
Airline and union response
American Airlines said in a statement to FOX 4 that it was "actively engaged" with local law enforcement and was providing support to Gutierrez's family. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants told reporters it was supporting efforts to locate their colleague while he was missing, as friends and coworkers called on authorities to help find him. Earlier in the week, family members told FOX 4 they were not yet ready to speak publicly about the case.
Timeline and what officials know
According to reports, Gutierrez shared his location at an Airbnb shortly before he disappeared. When he failed to return to duty, friends and coworkers filed a missing-person report. He had been scheduled to work a flight from Medellín to Miami the day after he vanished. Local authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released when they are able to share it.
Investigation and next steps
Colombian prosecutors and police are leading the inquiry, while U.S. consular officials have been notified and may assist Gutierrez's family. For now, authorities and the airline have declined to offer further details about the circumstances of his death. The case remains open as forensic work continues and local investigators move forward with their inquiries.
