The body of a runner who went missing while jogging in a Florida neighborhood was found five days later.
Ariel Valdez, 21, left his Fort Myers home around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to go for a run, but never returned home, prompting a massive rescue call from his family.
Her body was found Monday in the nearby Caloosahatchee River. The Lee County Sheriff's OfficeHe said there were initially no signs of foul play.
“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Ariel. Her bright personality and kind heart brought so much light to the lives of those who knew her,” Valdes' loved ones said in a statement. Post to Finding Arielle Valdes' Facebook page.
“To her family and friends, we are saddened beyond words and our heartfelt condolences at this unimaginable time. Ariel was a gift and her memories will be forever cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Valdez's body was found in mangroves on the north bank of the river between the Edison and Caloosahatchee bridges within minutes of a surface search party setting off from a nearby pier. NBC2 reported.
Valdes' family said she had been battling depression, the outlet reported.
As of Tuesday morning, her official cause of death remained unconfirmed.
Authorities said Valdez left his home around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to go for a jog.
She had been training for a marathon and had been running long distances, her sister, Isabella Helgert, posted on Facebook shortly after she failed to return home.
A traffic camera captured Valdez jogging toward the Edison Bridge around 6:50 p.m. that day wearing a hoodie, sweater, gym shorts and black Converse sneakers.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office announced over the weekend that it was stepping up the search, adding marine and aerial resources, drones, police dogs and the forensics unit.
Hergert posted a moving tribute to his late brother on Facebook on Monday afternoon.
“Ali, you were not worthy of this world. I love you and in every life I will see you again. You are a part of my soul and I will always seek it out,” she wrote.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love we have received from the community. Please give us privacy while we grieve our angel.”
