Dallas Flight Attendant’s Body Returned From Colombia

The body of Fernando Gutierrez, a Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant, has been returned to DFW Airport, where dozens of his coworkers gathered for a somber tribute. Gutierrez, 32, was found dead in Colombia on Friday after being reported missing on Saturday night while on a layover in Medellín.

Gutierrez disappeared during a routine work layover in Medellín, according to reports. He was scheduled to work a flight to Miami the following day. Before his disappearance, he reportedly shared his location from an Airbnb.

Authorities located Gutierrez’s body between Jericó and Puente Iglesias, as announced by the mayor of Medellín. His father, who had traveled to Medellín, was notified, as was the U.S. Ambassador to Colombia.

The cause of Gutierrez’s death remains unknown, and a medical examiner in Colombia is working to determine if foul play was involved, according to FOX 4 News.

American Airlines confirmed it was “actively engaged” with local law enforcement and providing support to Gutierrez’s family during the investigation. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants stated it was supporting efforts to locate their colleague prior to the discovery of his body.

Video footage shows the arrival of Gutierrez’s body at DFW Airport, where a large group of his coworkers assembled to honor him. NBC 5 reported on the scene, noting the somber atmosphere as his remains were brought home.

According to NBC News, Gutierrez’s sister identified the body found in Colombia as her brother, Eric Fernando Gutiérrez Molina.

The circumstances surrounding Gutierrez’s death are still under investigation by Colombian authorities.