Arielle Valdes, a 21-year-old from North Fort Myers, went missing on August 28, 2024, after leaving home around 6:30 p.m. for a run. A widespread search effort quickly followed, with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office deploying marine units, drones, and K9 teams.
Five days later, on September 2, remains believed to be hers were found along the Caloosahatchee River. Despite the extensive search and public concern, the Major Crimes Unit reported no signs of foul play. DOT surveillance had last shown her heading south on US 41 near her neighborhood before she vanished.