Story perspectives

Body of Missing American Airlines Flight Attendant Identified in Colombia

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colombia authorities confirmed the body found is Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old American Airlines flight attendant.
Gutierrez Molina was last seen March 21 after a night out with colleagues during a Medellín layover.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez announced the identification and said there is a very high probability the body is his.
Investigators suspect foul play.
American Airlines is cooperating with police and supporting his family.

History

Historical Context

The 1996 murder of American Airlines flight attendant David H. McCarty in Puerto Rico raised significant safety concerns, revealing that 25% of airline staff had faced violence on duty. The recent discovery of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina's body in Medellín echoes these issues, highlighting the ongoing risks flight attendants encounter during layovers and the urgent need for improved security measures in foreign cities.

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Story summary

Colombia authorities confirmed the body found is Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a 32-year-old American Airlines flight attendant.
Gutierrez Molina was last seen March 21 after a night out with colleagues during a Medellín layover.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez announced the identification and said there is a very high probability the body is his.
Investigators suspect foul play.
American Airlines is cooperating with police and supporting his family.

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