Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina “was born and raised in El Salvador” and later decided to “pursue a career in the aviation community,” his family saids a Human Interest Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE.

Published on March 31, 2026 01:29PM EDT

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Fernando Gutierrez

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, who disappeared during a layover in Colombia on March 22.Credit : GoFundMe

NEED TO KNOW

Family has confirmed American Airlines flight attendant Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina was found dead after disappearing during a layover in Colombia on March 22
Authorities suspect foul play in connection with Gutierrez Molina’s death
His family and partner remembered him as a kind, charismatic person as they raised funds to bring him home

Family of the American Airlines flight attendant who disappeared during a layover in Colombia is speaking out after confirming their loved one’s death.

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, disappeared during a layover in Medellín on March 22.

Five days later, Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez announced in a Spanish-language post on X that a body was found “between the municipality of Jericó and Puente Iglesias,” adding that there was a “high probability” that the remains belonged to Gutierrez Molina.

Family has since revealed via GoFundMe that Colombian authorities confirmed to them that the body was his

“It is with profound sadness we share the passing of Fernando Gutierrez,” loved ones wrote in the statement shared through the online fundraiser.

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Gutierrez Molina “was born and raised in El Salvador,” later deciding to become a United States citizen “and pursue a career in the aviation community,” they said.

His family said he“will always be remembered as a ball of sunshine as he entered and exited a room,” as well as “a docile, charismatic, goofy man who always provided a helping hand.”

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, American Airlines flight attendant who went missing during a layover in Medellin, Colombia

Authorities believe a body found in Colombia during the search for Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina belongs to the missing American Airlines flight attendant.Alejandro Murcia/X

Julissa Molina, Gutierrez Molina’s mom, described her son as “a person with a beautiful soul that was quickly recognized by anyone,” according to the statement.

Family also said he and his brother Kelvin Gutierrez “had an amazing bond” and traveled to Dallas together, “where they stuck by each other’s side through thick and thin, supporting and loving each other through every chapter of their lives.”

Ernesto Carranza, Gutierrez Molina’s life partner, “will always remember and cherish the beautiful person he was,” according to the statement. “He was the sunshine in his life and will forever remember and cherish him.”

More than $40,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe as of Tuesday, March 31. Donations will go toward returning Gutierrez Molina from Colombia to Texas.

“We love Fernando forever in our hearts,” his family said in the statement. “He is in heaven smiling down and knowing he left a beautiful family that loves him and will always have him in our active dream and hearts.”

Fernando Gutierrez

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina is said to have gone out with coworkers during their layover in Colombia.GoFundMe

The Medellín mayor said authorities suspect foul play in connection to Fernado’s death, according to NBC News. He claimed officials “have very clear leads on those responsible.”

Manuel Villa Mejía, secretary of security of Medellín, previously said Gutierrez Molina disappeared after he went out with a male and female coworker on March 21, according to NBC affiliate KXAS. He later headed out with the woman and other unknown people to another establishment.

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At the time, officials said the unknown individuals, whose names have not been released, have previously used a drug known as scopolamine, or “devil’s breath,” to commit thefts.

Sharom Gil, Gutierrez Molina’s best friend, previously told CBS News they had last communicated with Molina on March 21. “He was just telling me he had a layover in Colombia and he was going to go out with his friends,” Gil recalled.

Fernando Gutierrez

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines prior to his death.GoFundMe

Carranza, who last spoke with Gutierrez Molina that same night, said he became concerned after he was unable to reach Molina on the morning of March 22, according to CBS News.

He reportedly later learned Molina’s phone pinged at two locations that “were nowhere near” the flight attendant’s hotel. Gil also said Molina’s female colleague said she could not recall parts of the night.

In a statement, obtained by PEOPLE, American Airlines said, “We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our colleague. Our thoughts and support are with his family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time, and we are doing all we can to assist Colombian law enforcement in its investigation.”