FORT WORTH, Texas — The search for a missing American Airlines flight attendant has taken a tragic turn after Colombian authorities recovered a body believed to be that of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen who disappeared during a layover in Medellín.
Local officials confirmed that a body was discovered between the municipalities of Jericó and Puente Iglesias amid an ongoing search effort. Medellín Mayor Fico Gutiérrez said there is “a very high probability” the remains belong to Molina. The body has been transported to the city’s coroner’s office for formal identification.
The mayor personally notified Molina’s father, who had traveled from Texas to Colombia to assist in the search.
Timeline of Disappearance Raises Questions
Molina vanished on the evening of March 21, 2026, after arriving in Medellín on a flight from Miami. He had been scheduled to return to the United States the following morning as part of his flight duties.
According to authorities, Molina spent the evening in Medellín’s El Poblado district, a popular nightlife hub for international visitors. He was accompanied by two coworkers, a man and a woman. Officials said he later left with the female coworker and a group of unidentified individuals to continue the night at another location.
He was last seen in the early hours of March 22 in the residential neighborhood of La América.
The final known communication from Molina was a message sent during the early morning hours, sharing his location at an Airbnb in El Poblado, approximately 12 miles from José María Córdova International Airport.
Concern escalated when Molina failed to report for his scheduled return flight. His longtime partner, Ernesto Carranza, said he became alarmed after being unable to reach him.
“Both locations were nowhere near where he was supposed to sleep for the night,” Carranza said, referring to phone signals that appeared to show Molina’s device in two unexpected locations in Medellín.
Investigation Focuses on Possible Drugging Incident
Authorities have identified individuals who were last seen with Molina and say those individuals have prior involvement in thefts using scopolamine, a powerful sedative commonly referred to as “devil’s breath.”
The drug has been widely reported in Colombia as a tool used by criminals to incapacitate victims, particularly in nightlife settings. It renders individuals disoriented and often unable to recall events, making them vulnerable to robbery. In severe cases, overdoses can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Medical experts note that scopolamine is derived from a plant native to the region, with seeds that can be processed into a tasteless, odorless powder easily mixed into beverages.
Local authorities have long warned about the risks, with some establishments displaying signs urging patrons to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior.
Additional uncertainty surrounds the events of the night, as Molina’s female coworker reportedly could not recall portions of the evening. According to a friend, Sharom Gil, she appeared disoriented but managed to return to the hotel where the flight crew was staying.
Corporate and Government Response
American Airlines confirmed it is working closely with Colombian authorities and providing support to Molina’s family.
The airline stated it remains actively engaged in the investigation and has coordinated with the U.S. Embassy in Colombia following the disappearance.
The embassy declined to comment on specific details, citing federal privacy laws. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department acknowledged it is monitoring the situation closely, stating that “the Trump Administration has no greater priority than the safety and security of Americans abroad.”
Colombia is currently under a Level 3 travel advisory from the State Department, urging Americans to reconsider travel due to risks including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
Family, Colleagues Mourn as Investigation Continues
Molina’s disappearance prompted a swift response from family, friends, and colleagues. His father traveled internationally to aid search efforts, while coworkers filed missing persons reports in both Dallas and Medellín.
Carranza previously described himself as “shattered” by Molina’s disappearance, underscoring the emotional toll on those closest to him.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants also pledged support, mobilizing efforts to assist in locating their missing colleague.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams work to confirm the identity of the recovered body. Officials have not yet released a definitive cause of death.
Further updates are expected as the case develops.
