Five-day search ends with the discovery of the lifeless body of missing Florida runner Arielle Valdes.
In North Fort Myers, the reason behind the demise of a 21-year-old jogger remains undisclosed.
Authorities in Florida believe they have found the body of 21-year-old jogger Arielle Valdes, who had gone missing during a five-day search.
On Wednesday, Aug. 28, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Valdes, who was training for a marathon, was last seen leaving her home on the 90th block of Mariana Avenue in North Fort Myers, according to the Fort-Myers News Press. The Lee County Sheriff's Office confirmed this information.
The Department of Transportation's camera recorded video of the woman running south on U.S. Route 41 15 minutes later, and another camera captured her running south toward the Edison Bridge just after 6:50 p.m.
The sheriff's office and civilians conducted a search that involved marine vessels, aviation tools, drones, and rapid DNA testing, according to reports.
On Monday, Sept. 2, search crews found a body presumed to be Valdes' along the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers.
The LCSO stated that preliminary findings do not suggest foul play in Valdes' death, but the department could not be reached for additional information on the cause of death.
Valdes' family shared on social media that she has been experiencing panic attacks recently and has been quiet for the past week.
According to a police report obtained by the New York Post, Valdes' mother stated that she had been behaving strangely for the past few days and claimed to be hearing demon voices in her head.
Valdes' sister, Isabella Hergert, honored him in multiple social media posts.
She wrote: 'Ari, you were too good for this world. I love you and will see you again in every lifetime. You are a piece of my soul that I will always look for.'
"I know this is all for a greater purpose," Hergert wrote in another post. "My sister was a real-life angel."
The "Finding Arielle Valdes" Facebook group expressed gratitude to its members for their search efforts.
"Our joint efforts were widespread and unforgettable, demonstrating the strength of our unity when we work towards a common goal," the post stated. "In the face of adversity, we have shown that we are more than just neighbors – we are a strong community, united by our compassion and dedication to one another."
Joseph Sowels, the organizer of the GoFundMe, has updated the fundraiser's description to state that the funds raised will go directly to Hergert, the person who provides information to the family or police that leads directly to finding Arielle.
A memorial run was held in Valdes' memory on Thursday in Lee County, as reported by Wink News.
Hergert expressed gratitude to the community for the overwhelming love she felt during the event, thanking everyone who organized it.
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