The authorities have reportedly found the body of Arielle Valdes, a 21-year-old woman who went missing while jogging near her residence in Florida.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) reported that Valdes vanished on Wednesday, August 28, when she left her home for a run in the 90th block of Mariana Avenue in North Fort Myers at around 6:30 p.m. local time.
The LCSO later shared the video Footage of the incident that the Department of Transportation camera had captured. In the footage, the woman can be seen running in a southbound direction on U.S. Route 41 at approximately 6:45 p.m. The cameras also captured her continuing in the same direction towards the Edison Bridge shortly after 6:50 p.m.
Preliminary evidence from the LCSO suggests that foul play was not involved in Valdes’ death. The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.
Joseph Sowels, the organizer of a GoFundMe campaign that was created after Arielle Valdes went missing, expressed deep sadness over her passing.
The family and friends of Valdes are currently undecided on how to utilize the funds, following the discovery of her body. Initially, the funds were raised with the intention of offering a reward to anyone who could provide information leading to Arielle’s whereabouts, whether it be to the family or the police.
According to Sowels, the funds will be given directly to Isabella Hergert, who has been identified as Valdes’ sister by the Fort Myers News-Press.
Hergert honored her sister through multiple posts on her Facebook page. In her initial post, she expressed, “Ari, you were truly exceptional in this world. I love you and believe that we will reunite in every lifetime. You are an integral part of my soul that I will always seek.”
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Valdes’ sister expressed her gratitude for the support and love they have received from the community during this difficult time. She also requested privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved angel.
Hergert also posted a photo of a journal entry believed to be written by her sister, expressing her intention to publish some of her sister’s spiritual scriptures in the future.
In a heartfelt caption, Hergert described her sister as a true angel in her life. She acknowledged that there must be a greater purpose behind it all.
The Facebook Page dedicated to finding Arielle Valdes, titled “Finding Arielle Valdes,” shared a heartfelt post mourning her death. They described her as a vibrant personality and gentle soul who brought so much light into the lives of those who knew her.
In a heartfelt message, the post expressed that Arielle’s presence was truly a gift, and her memory will always be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
According to a Facebook post by Hegert, Valdes was actively training for a marathon before she went missing.
The sheriff’s office has been conducting an extensive search for Valdes for the past five days, covering both land and sea.
The Facebook page “Finding Arielle Valdes” expressed gratitude towards the community members who actively participated in the search for Valdes. They also thanked those who provided emotional support to her family during this challenging time.
“The post highlighted the remarkable and extensive efforts we all made together, which left a lasting impression. It emphasized the strength that comes from our unity when we come together for a shared purpose. Despite the tragedy, we have demonstrated that we are not just neighbors, but a genuine community that is connected by our compassion and dedication to each other.”