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A troubling mystery surrounding an American Airlines flight attendant missing during a layover in Colombia has taken a somber turn, as authorities say a body discovered in the countryside may belong to the missing crew member.

Body Found as Search Intensifies

Officials in Medellín announced Friday that a शव found between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias—about 60 miles southwest of the city—likely belongs to Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina.

Mayor Federico Gutiérrez said there is a “very high probability” the remains are those of the 32-year-old Texas-based flight attendant. The body has been transported to Medellín for forensic identification.

Authorities have already informed Gutierrez Molina’s father, who traveled to Colombia to assist in the search.

Disappearance During Layover Raises Alarm

The case began unfolding Saturday night when Gutierrez Molina vanished during an overnight layover. He had gone out with at least one colleague to a nightclub in Medellín’s El Poblado district, a popular area for international visitors.

He was scheduled to work a return flight to Miami the following day, but concern quickly mounted when he failed to report for duty and could not be reached.

Disturbing Clues Emerge

According to his partner Ernesto Carranza and close friend Sharom Gil, the last contact with Gutierrez Molina came Saturday evening, when he mentioned plans to go out with coworkers.

By Sunday morning, Carranza noticed something unusual: the flight attendant’s phone appeared to be pinging from two locations far from his hotel.

“Both locations were nowhere near where he was supposed to sleep,” Carranza said, deepening fears that something had gone wrong.

Adding another layer of uncertainty, a coworker who had been out with him reportedly could not recall parts of the night. Friends described her as disoriented but able to return safely to the hotel.

Authorities Pursue Leads Amid Foul Play Fears

Colombian officials quickly launched a search operation, activating protocols for missing persons and identifying several potential suspects early in the investigation.

Manuel Villa Mejía said authorities have been working continuously, coordinating with the U.S. Embassy and the victim’s family.

“We will remain on the ground, working tirelessly… until we find him,” Mejía said before the discovery of the body.

Family and Friends Hold Onto Hope

Before the latest development, loved ones described emotional turmoil as days passed without answers.

“I want to believe that he’s alive,” Carranza said, describing the uncertainty as agonizing. Gil added, “We’re so lost right now… I’m missing a part of me.”

Their words painted a portrait of a man remembered for his warmth and joy—now at the center of an international investigation.