(LibertySociety.com) – Florida authorities believe they have found the body of 21-year-old jogger Arielle Valdes, who went missing after a five-day search. Valdes, who was training for a marathon, was last seen on Wednesday, August 28, when she left her home in North Fort Myers for an evening run around 6:30 p.m.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Valdes was captured on Department of Transportation cameras running south on U.S. Route 41 at about 6:45 p.m. and later heading toward the Edison Bridge just after 6:50 p.m.
A massive search effort ensued, with local authorities and civilians using drones, marine vessels, and even rapid DNA testing to aid in finding her. On Monday, September 2, a body believed to be Valdes was found along the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers. While preliminary findings do not indicate foul play, no further details about her cause of death have been released.
During the search, Valdes’ family shared that she had been experiencing panic attacks and acting strangely in the days leading up to her disappearance. Her mother told authorities that Arielle had been hearing “demon voices” in her head, according to the police report.
Valdes’ sister, Isabella Hergert, shared several heartfelt tributes on social media. “Ari, you were too good for this world,” she wrote. “You are a piece of my soul that I will always look for.” Hergert also referred to her sister as a “real-life angel” and expressed her belief that her passing had a greater purpose.
The local community rallied together in the search for Valdes, and a Facebook group called “Finding Arielle Valdes” expressed gratitude to everyone who helped. A GoFundMe page that was originally set up to offer a reward for information has since been redirected to support Valdes’ family.
On Thursday, a memorial run was held in Valdes’ honor in Lee County. Hergert, speaking at the event, thanked the community for their support during such a difficult time. “I feel an overwhelming amount of love right now from the community,” she said, as the local community gathered to pay their respects.
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