The remains of a Florida woman last seen out for a jog have been found five days after she went missing.
Arielle Valdes, 21, was last seen on surveillance footage leaving her home for a jog in Fort Myers on Wednesday.
After an exhaustive search, her remains were found by a dive team Monday night in the mangroves along the banks of the Calhoosahatchee River.
Authorities have not offered a cause of death, but the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said there is no initial suggestion of foul play.
Arielle Valdes, 21, disappeared last Wednesday after going for a run near her home in Fort Myers, Florida.
Her body was found Monday night near the Calhoosahatchee River (pictured)
The body was discovered minutes after a water search team set out from a nearby dock.
The final footage shared by the sheriff’s office showed the 21-year-old jogging across the Edison Bridge, with her body discovered in the mangroves between the Edison and Calhoosahatchee bridges, it reports. NBC2.
It is not explained how Valdés ended up in the water and his cause of death is currently unconfirmed.
Her family said she was training for a marathon and often ran long distances, and loved ones launched a huge appeal for her after she failed to return home.
Valdés’ family also revealed that he had recently been battling depression.
As the search for Valdes stretched into the weekend, the sheriff’s office said it was stepping up its efforts by enlisting drones, police dogs, forensic analysis and water and air searches.
The final footage showed the 21-year-old jogging across the Edison Bridge on the day she disappeared, and Valdes’ body was later discovered in the mangroves between the Edison and Calhoosahatchee bridges.
Following the discovery of her body, Valdés’ family said her “presence was a gift and her memory will be forever cherished by all who were lucky enough to know her.”
After Valdes’ remains were found Monday night, her loved ones shared a heartbreaking update on the Facebook page ‘Searching for Arielle Valdes,’ dedicated to her search.
“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Arielle, whose vibrant personality and gentle soul brought so much light to the lives of those who knew her,” the family said.
‘To his family and friends, words cannot express the depth of our grief, and we send our deepest condolences during this unimaginable time.
‘Arielle’s presence was a gift and her memory will always be cherished by all who were lucky enough to know her.’
The family also praised the massive search effort by authorities and volunteers and said they wanted to “take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary strength of our community.”
“The efforts we made together were widespread and unforgettable, and demonstrated how powerful we can be when we unite for a common cause,” the family said.
“In the face of this tragedy, we have shown that we are more than just neighbors: we are a true community, united by our care and commitment to each other.”
Valdés’ disappearance sparked a massive search effort involving K9 units, air and river search teams and drones.
Valdes’ sister Isabella, who helped lead efforts to find the runner, added in a tragic tribute to her sister that she was “too good for this world.”
“I love you and I will see you again in every life. You are a piece of my soul that I will always look for,” she wrote.
‘Thank you so much for the love we have received from the community. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of our angel.’
