FORT MYERS, FL – The search for a missing 21-year-old jogger in Fort Myers, Florida, ended tragically when her body was discovered in the Caloosahatchee River five days after her disappearance. Arielle Valdes was last seen leaving her home for a run around 6:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, causing concern among her family and friends when she did not return.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery of Valdes’ remains in the river’s nearby mangroves, between the Edison and Caloosahatchee bridges. The authorities have not indicated any initial signs of foul play in the incident.
Valdes’ family and friends expressed their grief over her loss on the Finding Arielle Valdes Facebook page. They remembered her as a vibrant and gentle soul whose presence was a gift to those who knew her. The depth of their sorrow was evident as they mourned her untimely passing.
According to NBC2, Valdes’ remains were located within minutes of the water search crew launching from a nearby dock. The family disclosed that Valdes had been struggling with depression, but her official cause of death remains unconfirmed as of Tuesday morning.
Valdes was an avid runner, training for a marathon at the time of her disappearance. Her sister, Isabella Hergert, shared on Facebook that Valdes had been running long distances. Traffic cameras captured Valdes jogging towards the Edison Bridge, dressed in a hoodie, a sweater, gym shorts, and black Converse sneakers around 6:50 p.m. on the day she went missing.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office had intensified the search for Valdes over the weekend, deploying marine and aviation resources, drones, K9 units, and the Forensics Division.
Hergert posted a heartfelt tribute to her late sister on Facebook, expressing her love and gratitude for the community’s support. She requested privacy for the family as they grieve their loss.