A North Fort Myers woman who had been missing for five days has been found, bringing relief to her friends and family. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office discovered the remains of a woman believed to be the missing 21-year-old, Arielle Valdes, along the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers on September 2, 2024.
The Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple resources including marine vessels, aviation units, drones, K9 teams, and the Forensics Division, had been actively involved in the search. The Major Crimes Unit also worked diligently to help locate Valdes.
Their efforts eventually led to the discovery of Valdes. While there is no evidence suggesting foul play at this time, the Major Crimes Unit continues to collaborate with the District 21 Medical Examiner’s Office as the investigation progresses.
“Our hearts go out to Arielle’s family and loved ones as they navigate through this time of grief,” expressed the Sheriff’s Office.
Valdes had left her residence on August 28, 2024, at around 6:30 p.m. for a run but did not return. Concerned for her safety, the family promptly contacted authorities, prompting the Sheriff’s Office to initiate the search and investigation.
Described as a Hispanic female, 5’4″, 100lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes, Valdes was last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie, gym shorts, and black and white high-top Converse-style sneakers.
Through DOT footage reviewed by detectives, it was determined that Valdes was heading southbound on US 41 from Pondella Rd. in North Fort Myers near her neighborhood at 6:45 p.m. Additional cameras captured her moving southbound toward the Edison Bridge shortly after 6:50 p.m. These details aided the investigation until Valdes’ body was located.
Now, the family is mourning the loss of their beloved Arielle. Isabella Hergert, Valdes’ sister, took a moment to express gratitude to the community for their love and support during the search for her sister:
“Ari, you were truly special. I love you, and I believe our souls will meet again in every lifetime. You will always have a piece of my heart,” Hergert wrote on Facebook. She kindly requested privacy for the family during this difficult time and referred to Valdes as their “angel.”
Before Valdes was found, Hergert had started a GoFundMe page to raise a $1000 reward for information leading to her safe return. Now that Valdes has been found, the family will decide how to utilize the funds. In the meantime, all donations are being directed to Isabella Hergert.
Joseph Sowels, the organizer of the fundraising, expressed his condolences to the family and emphasized the importance of giving them space to grieve and process this unimaginable loss. He assured the community that once the family has had time to reflect, they will provide an update regarding the use of the donated funds.
Together, we mourn the loss of Arielle Valdes and offer our support to her grieving family.
