The search for a missing American Airlines flight attendant ended in tragedy after Colombian authorities confirmed that a body found in a rural area belongs to 32-year-old Eric Fernando Gutiérrez Molina.
Gutiérrez Molina, who was based in Texas, vanished while on a layover in the Medellín area. According to local investigators, the flight attendant was last seen spending an evening out with colleagues in the city of Itagüí.
Officials say that after visiting one establishment, Gutiérrez Molina and a co-worker moved to a second location with a group of other individuals.
The situation took an alarming turn when the co-worker eventually returned to their hotel alone, reportedly appearing disoriented and confused. Gutiérrez Molina, however, never returned.
Investigators are now focusing on the possibility that the pair was targeted by criminals using scopolamine.
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Known locally as “Devil’s Breath,” the substance is frequently used by thieves in Colombia to incapacitate victims, causing intense sedation and total memory loss.
Medellín officials have indicated there is a “very high probability” of foul play, noting that they have already established strong leads regarding the suspects involved.
Search teams recovered the body on March 28 in a stretch of the Antioquia region between Jericó and Puente Iglesias. Following a formal identification process, the news was delivered to his family on Monday.
American Airlines addressed the loss in a brief statement, saying the company is “heartbroken by the tragic passing” of its employee.
The airline confirmed it is working closely with Colombian investigators as they piece together the final hours of the flight attendant’s life. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.
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