American Airlines has confirmed that one of its flight attendants has been reported missing following an overnight layover in Colombia.
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Fernando Gutierrez, 32, is based out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. He was last seen in Medellín after reportedly going out to a nightclub on Saturday night.
As the search continues, growing concerns suggest he may have been kidnapped.
American Airlines Missing Crew Member Sparks Urgent Search in Colombia
Local outlet TeleMedellín reported that Gutierrez had planned a night out in the El Poblado neighborhood.
According to his friend Sharom Gil, the group met two men at a nightclub. The men later invited them to continue the night elsewhere after the venue closed.
Hours later, Gil was reportedly found disoriented by authorities and taken to a medical center, while Gutierrez remained unaccounted for.
He was scheduled to return to the United States on Sunday morning but never arrived at the airport.
"We called the police here in Dallas to file a report. A report was also filed in Medellín, and the company notified the U.S. Embassy in Colombia," Gil said.
"We have nothing more, we were able to locate the phone which is in a residential area there in Medellín, but we haven't been able to talk to him, our messages no longer reach him,"
Last Known Movements Raise Concern as Search Continues
The final communication from Gutierrez came in the early hours of the morning, when he sent a message located to an Airbnb in El Poblado.
Retired FBI agent Arturo Fontes noted that while similar cases are not uncommon, the lack of contact is concerning.
"These cases are normal. In this case, he has not shown up and that's what's giving some red flags," said retired FBI agent Arturo Fontes.
Gutierrez has now been missing for more than 24 hours, heightening fears for his safety.
Authorities in both Colombia and the United States have since opened missing persons investigations.
"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," American Airlines said in a statement to NBC 5.
The case comes amid ongoing safety concerns in the region.
Last year, the U.S. Department of State advised Americans to reconsider travel to Colombia due to risks including "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping."
