American Airlines Flight Attendant Vanishes During Overnight Layover in Colombia
Authorities in Colombia and the United States are investigating the mysterious disappearance of an American Airlines flight attendant during an overnight layover in Medellín. Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old crew member based in Dallas-Fort Worth, arrived in the Colombian city on Saturday night and was scheduled to return to Miami the following day, but never made it back to his hotel.
Last Known Movements and Communication
According to local media reports and statements from close friends, Molina decided to visit bars in the El Poblado area of Medellín after his arrival. Sharom Gil, a close friend of the missing flight attendant, told Telemedellín that Molina met two men at a club and decided to "take the party to another place."
Early Sunday morning, Molina sent a message to friends with his location pinpointed at an Airbnb in El Poblado. This was the last communication anyone received from him. "We have nothing more," Gil told the outlet. "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."
Official Response and Investigations
Missing persons reports have been filed with both Dallas and Medellín police departments. American Airlines has confirmed they have notified the U.S. Embassy in Colombia about the incident and are cooperating fully with local authorities.
"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 an official statement.
The disappearance has drawn attention from elected officials representing Colombians abroad. Alejandro Murcia, a U.S.-based official, shared the news on social media platform X, urging people to help find Molina and noting that "his family is desperate."
Travel Advisory Context
The disappearance occurs against the backdrop of an active U.S. State Department travel advisory for Colombia issued in April 2025, which warns Americans to "reconsider travel" to the country. The advisory specifically notes that "violent crime is common in many areas in Colombia" and includes warnings about murder, assault, robbery, extortion, and kidnapping.
Colombian authorities continue their search for Molina, while American Airlines maintains contact with his family and supports the investigation. The Dallas Police Department has been contacted for additional comment regarding their missing persons investigation.
