In a troubling development, Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old American Airlines flight attendant, has been reported missing during a crew layover in Medellín, Colombia. He was last seen on Saturday night after going out with two coworkers, raising alarms among his colleagues and family.
Gutierrez Molina was scheduled to return to Miami the following day, but local authorities issued a missing-persons alert after he failed to appear. The FBI’s Dallas Field Office is now managing the case, collaborating with Colombian law enforcement to locate him.
Investigators have identified individuals who were last seen with Gutierrez Molina, some of whom have a criminal history. There are concerns that scopolamine, a drug notorious for its use in thefts in Colombia, may be involved in his disappearance. This drug can incapacitate victims for extended periods, leaving them vulnerable.
Before going missing, Gutierrez Molina shared his location at an Airbnb, but details surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance remain limited. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants has expressed support for efforts to locate him, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
American Airlines has stated, “We are actively engaged with local law enforcement officials in their investigation and doing all we can to support our team member’s family during this time.” Meanwhile, Arturo Fontes, a local expert, noted, “These cases are normal. In this case, he has not shown up and that’s what’s giving some red flags.”
Ken Gray from the FBI explained, “The FBI cannot do an investigation on their own inside a foreign country. Instead, they work with the police in that country.” This collaboration is crucial as local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gutierrez Molina’s disappearance.
As the investigation unfolds, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia has warned about the dangers of scopolamine, stating, “If the drug is ingested or exposed, it can leave a victim unconscious for 24 hours or more.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether foul play is suspected or if any of the identified suspects have been taken into custody.
The situation remains urgent as family, friends, and colleagues await news about Gutierrez Molina’s fate, hoping for a safe return amid growing concerns over his well-being.