A North Fort Myers woman has been found, five days after she went for a run and never returned, leading to a county-wide search.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has found remains of a woman presumed to be the missing 21-year-old, Arielle Valdes.
On September 2, 2024, friends and family of Valdes confirmed their worst nightmares when the remains believed to be hers were discovered along the Caloosahatchee River, in North Fort Myers.
This was the fifth day of significant efforts on behalf of the Sheriff’s office in search of Valdes. A comprehensive array of resources was deployed on land and at sea including marine vessels, aviation units, and multiple drones.
K9 teams, and the Forensics Division, which utilized the ANDE rapid DNA device, were also used. The Major Crimes Unit was actively involved in the search. These teams, efforts, and resources eventually led the Sheriff’s office to locate Valdes.
The Sheriff’s office stated that there is no initial evidence pointing to foul play. The Major Crimes Unit has been in contact with the family to share the latest information.
The unit will continue to collaborate with the District 21 Medical Examiner’s Office as the investigation progresses. “Our hearts remain with Arielle’s family and loved ones as they navigate the coming days during this time of grief,” the Sheriff’s office wrote.
Valdes had left her residence on August 28, 2024, at around 6:30 p.m. for a run but never returned. Concerned for her safety, the family contacted authorities, prompting the Sheriff’s office to launch their search and investigation.
In their Facebook post, the Sheriff’s office described Valdes as “Hispanic female, 5’4″, 100lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.” They also noted that she was last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie, gym shorts, and what appeared to be black and white high-top Converse-style sneakers.
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The officers shared that DOT footage reviewed by detectives showed the avid runner heading southbound on US 41 from Pondella Rd. in North Fort Myers near her neighborhood at 6:45 p.m. that evening.
Additional cameras captured her moving southbound toward the Edison Bridge shortly after 6:50 p.m. These details helped the police with their investigations until they located Valdes’ body.
Now, her family is in mourning, with her sister, Isabella Hergert, thanking the community for the love and support they received from them while searching for Valdes.
She wrote on Facebook, “Ari you were too good for this world. I love you and I will see you again in every life time. You are a piece of my soul that I will always look for.” Hergert also asked for privacy as the family grieves Valdes, whom she called their “angel.”
Hergert had also started a Go-Fund-Me page before Valdes was found to raise funds for $1000 reward money. The reward money would go to a person offering information that would lead to the safe return of Valdes.
Hergert wrote, “In the even that Arielle is found without a tip. The reward money will go to her care [sic].” Currently, Joseph Sowels, who organized the fundraising, stated that they are holding off on making any decisions regarding the funds that have been generously donated.
Sowels will wait for Valdes’s family to decide the best way to use these contributions. He also grieved with family, saying “We are heartbroken about Arielle’s passing. Please join us in giving Arielle’s family the time and space they need to grieve and process this unimaginable loss.”
Sowels added that they deeply appreciate the support and understanding from everyone during this challenging time. He assured that once the family has had a chance to reflect, they will provide an update on how the funds will be used. In the meantime, he confirmed that all donated funds are being directed to Isabella Hergert.
