A woman from North Fort Myers has been found five days after she went missing during a run, sparking a county-wide search. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office located remains believed to be those of the missing 21-year-old, Arielle Valdes, bringing a tragic end to the search.
On September 2, 2024, Valdes’ friends and family confirmed their worst fears when remains, presumed to be hers, were discovered along the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers. The discovery marked the culmination of five days of intense efforts by the Sheriff’s office, which utilized an array of resources, including marine vessels, aviation units, drones, K9 teams, and forensic tools like the ANDE rapid DNA device. The Major Crimes Unit also played a significant role in the search, leading to the eventual location of Valdes.
The Sheriff’s office has stated that there is no initial evidence of foul play. The Major Crimes Unit has been in contact with Valdes’ family to provide updates, and they will continue to collaborate with the District 21 Medical Examiner’s Office as the investigation proceeds. The Sheriff’s office expressed their condolences, stating, “Our hearts remain with Arielle’s family and loved ones as they navigate the coming days during this time of grief.”
Valdes had left her home on August 28, 2024, at around 6:30 p.m. for a run but did not return. Concerned for her safety, her family contacted authorities, leading to the extensive search and investigation. In a Facebook post, the Sheriff’s office described Valdes as a Hispanic female, 5’4″ tall, weighing 100 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie, gym shorts, and black and white high-top Converse-style sneakers.
Footage from traffic cameras reviewed by detectives showed Valdes heading southbound on US 41 from Pondella Rd. in North Fort Myers around 6:45 p.m. that evening. Additional cameras captured her continuing southbound toward the Edison Bridge shortly after 6:50 p.m. These details were crucial in guiding the search efforts, which ultimately led to the discovery of her remains.
Valdes’ family is now mourning her loss. Her sister, Isabella Hergert, expressed her grief on Facebook, thanking the community for their support during the search. “Ari, you were too good for this world. I love you, and I will see you again in every lifetime. You are a piece of my soul that I will always look for,” Hergert wrote, asking for privacy as the family grieves their “angel.”
Before Valdes was found, Hergert had started a GoFundMe page to raise $1,000 as a reward for information leading to her sister’s safe return. Now, with the search concluded, the organizer, Joseph Sowels, is waiting for the family to decide how to use the donated funds. He expressed his sorrow, 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.”
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 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 emphasized the family’s appreciation for the community’s support and understanding during this difficult time. He assured that once the family has had time to reflect, they will provide an update on how the funds will be used. For now, all donations are being directed to Isabella Hergert.
