Florida runner Arielle Valdes’ body is found five days after she vanished
The remains of a Florida woman last seen running have been found five days after her disappearance.
Arielle Valdes, 21, was last seen on surveillance footage leaving her home for a run in Fort Myers on Wednesday.
After an extensive search, her remains were found Monday evening by a dive team in the mangrove forests along the shore of the Calhoosahatchee River.
Authorities have not yet released a cause of death, but the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said there was no evidence of foul play.
Arielle Valdes, 21, disappeared last Wednesday after she was jogging near her home in Fort Myers, Florida
Her body was found Monday evening near the Calhoosahatchee River (photo)
The body was discovered within minutes of a search team exiting the water from a nearby dock.
The last images shared by the sheriff’s office showed the 21-year-old jogging across the Edison Bridge, while her body was found in the mangrove forests between the Edison and Calhoosahatchee bridges, reports NBC2.
How Valdes ended up in the water is not yet clear. The cause of death has also not yet been confirmed.
Her family said she was training for a marathon and often ran long distances, and her loved ones relied heavily on her when she didn’t come home.
Valdes’ family also said she had been suffering from depression recently.
As the search for Valdes continued into the weekend, the sheriff’s office said it would ramp up its efforts by deploying drones, K9s, forensics and water and air searches.
The last images showed the 21-year-old jogging across the Edison Bridge on the day she disappeared, while Valdes’ body was later found in the mangrove forests between the Edison and Calhoosahatchee bridges.
After the discovery of her body, Valdes’ family said her “presence was a gift, and her memory will be cherished forever by all who were fortunate enough to know her.”
After Valdes’ remains were found Monday night, her loved ones shared a heartbreaking update on the Facebook page “Finding Arielle Valdes,” which is dedicated to her search.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our dear Arielle, whose vibrant personality and gentle soul brought so much light into the lives of all who knew her,” the family said.
‘Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow to her family and friends. We extend our sincere condolences at this unimaginable time.
“Arielle’s presence was a gift, and her memory will be cherished forever by all who were fortunate enough to know her.”
The family also praised the massive search effort by authorities and volunteers, saying they wanted to “take a moment to recognize the extraordinary strength of our community.”
“The efforts we made together were great and unforgettable. It shows how powerful we can be when we unite for a common goal,” the family said.
“In the face of this tragedy, we have shown that we are more than just neighbors: we are a true community, united by our care and commitment to one another.”
Valdes’ disappearance sparked a massive search involving K9 units, air and river search teams and drones
Valdes’ sister Isabella, who helped search for the runner, added in a tragic tribute to her brother that she was “too good for this world.”
‘I love you and I will see you again in every life [sic]“You are a piece of my soul that I will always search for,” she wrote.
“Thank you so much for the love we have received from the community. Please give us privacy as we mourn our angel.”