The US Sun

Body found in river during four-day search for missing Arielle Valdes, 21, after she vanished on a jog

By Matthew Aquino,

6 hours ago

A 21-YEAR-OLD’S body has been found in a river four days after her disappearance sparked a massive search.

Arielle Valdes vanished from North Fort Myers, Florida , on Wednesday after she left home to go on a run.

Valdes was last seen on traffic cameras jogging toward the Edison Bridge at around 6:50 pm on Wednesday.

After family, friends, and police searched for her for four days, her body was found in the Caloosahatchee River, in North Fort Myers.

Valdes’ sister, Isabella Hergert, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook group dedicated to finding Valdes.

“Ari, you were too good for this world,” her sister wrote.

“I love you and I will see you again in every lifetime. You are a piece of my soul that I will always look for.

“Thank you so much for the love we have received from the community.

“Please give us privacy while we grieve our angel.”

VALDES’ DISAPPEARANCE

Before the sad news, Valdes’ family handed out flyers at Terry Park along Palm Beach Boulevard over the weekend.

At the same time, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was searching multiple locations using electronic surveillance units and drones.

Deputies launched the search for Valdes on Friday night.

They searched land and sea using boats, aerial units, K9s, and more.

A break in the case came on Monday when members of the sheriff’s office found a woman’s body in the Caloosahatchee River.

The remains are presumed to be Valdes’, officials said.

Deputies said they don’t suspect foul play in her death.

The U.S. Sun contacted the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for comment.

During the search for Valdes, a GoFundMe was created to help aid in the efforts to find the 21-year-old.

“We are raising funds for reward money in the effort to find Arielle Valdes,” the GoFundMe said.

“Arielle was last seen on Route 41 in North Fort Myers, Florida on August 28th, 2024.

Arielle Valdes vanished on August 28 while out for a jog. Here are the key developments that led up to her body being found in a river.

August 28 – The last known footage of Valdes shows her jogging toward the Edison Bridge at 6:50 pm
August 30 – Officials launch a search on land and sea for Valdes using multiple resources
September 2 – The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirms they found remains of a woman, presumed to be Valdes, while searching the Caloosahatchee River, in North Fort Myers, Florida.

“Arielle is a responsible and loved member of her community.”

The page said funds would be given to anyone who provided information leading to Arielle’s recovery.

“In the event that Arielle is found without a tip the reward money will go to her care,” the page said.

The investigation is ongoing as the sheriff’s office Major Crimes Unit continues to provide the latest updates.

“We will work with the District 21 Medical Examiner’s Office for the remainder of the investigation,” the sheriff’s office’s release said.