Arielle Valdes, a 21-year-old from North Fort Myers, was found five days after she went missing during a run, sparking a county-wide search. On September 2, 2024, remains believed to be hers were discovered near the Caloosahatchee River.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office deployed numerous resources, including marine vessels, drones, and K9 units, in the effort to locate her. Despite the extensive search, the Major Crimes Unit reported no evidence of foul play.
Valdes had left her home on August 28, 2024, around 6:30 p.m. for a run and never returned. Department of Transportation footage captured her heading south on US 41 near her neighborhood just before she vanished.
Her sister, Isabella Hergert, expressed her grief and appreciation for the community’s support, writing, “Ari, you were too good for this world. I love you, and I will see you again in every lifetime.” A GoFundMe page, initially set up as a reward for finding Valdes, has now shifted its purpose as the family considers how to honor her memory with the donations.