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.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.
