Arielle Valdes, a 21-year-old from North Fort Myers, was found five days after she went missing during a run, leading to a county-wide search. On September 2, 2024, remains believed to be hers were discovered along the Caloosahatchee River. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office deployed extensive resources, including marine vessels, drones, and K9 teams, in the search.
Despite significant efforts, the Major Crimes Unit stated that there is no evidence of foul play. Valdes had left her home on August 28, 2024, at around 6:30 p.m. for a run but never returned.
DOT footage showed her heading southbound on US 41 near her neighborhood shortly before disappearing.
Her sister, Isabella Hergert, expressed gratitude to the community, writing, “Ari you were too good for this world. I love you and I will see you again in every life time.” A GoFundMe page started by Hergert raised funds, initially intended as a reward for finding Valdes. The family is now considering how to use the donations to honor her memory.
Arielle Valdes, a beloved 21-year-old woman from North Fort Myers, captured the hearts of her community when she went missing after going for a run. The news of her disappearance sparked a county-wide search effort, with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office deploying various resources in hopes of finding her safe and sound.
Unfortunately, the search came to a heartbreaking end when remains believed to be Valdes were discovered along the Caloosahatchee River five days after she went missing. Despite the extensive efforts of the Major Crimes Unit, there was no evidence of foul play in her disappearance.
Valdes had left her home on the evening of August 28, 2024, for a routine run but never returned. Security footage captured her heading southbound on US 41 near her neighborhood shortly before she vanished, leaving her loved ones and the entire community in a state of shock and grief.
Her sister, Isabella Hergert, took to social media to express her gratitude to the community for their support during the search for Valdes. In a heartfelt message, Hergert wrote, “Ari you were too good for this world. I love you and I will see you again in every lifetime.” The emotional plea for her sister’s safe return touched the hearts of many who were following the search efforts.
In an effort to support the family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page was set up by Hergert to raise funds initially intended as a reward for finding Valdes. However, with the tragic discovery of her remains, the family is now considering how to use the donations to honor her memory in a meaningful way.
The loss of Arielle Valdes has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. May she rest in peace.
