An American Airlines flight attendant has been reported missing in Colombia, prompting an urgent investigation by local authorities and concerns from U.S. officials.

Eric Fernando Gutiérrez Molina, a 32-year-old flight attendant based out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, arrived in Medellín, Colombia, on March 21 aboard a flight from Miami. The trip was part of a routine crew layover, with plans for an overnight stay before returning to the United States the following morning. However, Molina never boarded the scheduled return flight, and he has not been heard from since.

According to the Medellín security secretary, authorities believe Molina may have been drugged during the incident and are actively investigating that possibility. He was last seen in the early hours of Sunday morning, March 22, after attending a party at a club in the El Poblado neighborhood of Medellín, in the company of a man and a woman. Some reports also reference sightings or activity linked to the La América neighborhood, a primarily residential area. Prior to his disappearance, Molina had reportedly shared his location at an Airbnb, but his phone has since stopped pinging, raising further alarm among family and friends.

Molina’s family and colleagues have expressed deep concern, with friends and community members, including a U.S.-based elected official representing Colombians abroad, sharing appeals on social media to help locate him. His loved ones have had no communication from him for several days, and the circumstances surrounding his vanishing remain unclear, though foul play involving possible drugging or theft (such as with scopolamine, a substance sometimes associated with robberies in the region) is under scrutiny.

American Airlines issued a statement confirming its engagement in the matter: “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.”

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department also addressed the case, stating, “We are aware of these reports and are closely tracking the situation.” The spokesperson emphasized the priority placed on the safety of Americans abroad: “The Trump Administration has no greater priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department stands ready to provide all consular assistance to Americans in need abroad.”

The disappearance has sparked a collaborative search effort involving Colombian authorities, U.S. officials, and American Airlines. As the investigation continues, friends and family remain hopeful for a safe resolution and have urged the public to share information that could aid in locating Molina.

This case highlights the potential risks faced by travelers, even during short layovers in popular destinations, and underscores ongoing concerns about drug-facilitated crimes in certain areas of Colombia. Updates are expected as authorities pursue leads in Medellín and coordinate across borders.