The search for 21-year-old Arielle Valdes of North Fort Myers came to a heartbreaking end five days after she disappeared during an evening run. Human remains believed to be hers were discovered on September 2, 2024, near the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, bringing a wave of sorrow to the community that had hoped for her safe return.
Arielle was last seen on the evening of August 28, around 6:30 p.m., when she left home for a routine jog and never returned. Traffic camera footage from the Department of Transportation captured her moving south along US 41, not far from where she lived.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office launched a large-scale search operation, deploying K9 units, drones, and marine teams to aid in the effort. After thorough investigation, the Major Crimes Unit reported that there is no indication of foul play connected to her disappearance.
In the wake of the discovery, Arielle’s sister, Isabella Hergert, shared a heartfelt message with the community: “Ari, you were too good for this world. I love you, and I know I’ll see you again someday.” Hergert had earlier started a GoFundMe campaign to offer a reward for information during the search. The family now plans to use those funds to honor Arielle’s life and memory.
What began as a community rallying to find a missing woman has now turned into a collective mourning of a young life lost far too soon.
