MIAMI — Authorities are searching for an American Airlines flight attendant who they say went missing during a layover in Colombia after he was last seen early Sunday in Medellín’s La América neighborhood.

Investigators said Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, was reported missing after he failed to show up for work, raising concerns among loved ones.

Friends of Gutierrez Molina, a North Texas resident, say he had gone out with a female co-worker during the layover when they were approached by a man who wanted to spend time with them.

They say the co-worker was later drugged but has since recovered, and that information has been reported to authorities.

Investigators say Gutierrez Molina’s phone last pinged in a residential area, and there has been no contact with him since.

Back home, his partner of 10 years, along with friends and family, are desperate for answers. They say they first realized something was wrong when he did not report for his scheduled departure.

“The departure time was already set, and for him not to be there at those designated times, that’s a red flag,” one person said. “It’s like it’s showing that you’re not available.”

As the search continues, Gutierrez Molina’s father, who is listed as his emergency contact, has traveled to Colombia to help find answers.

Loved ones describe Gutierrez Molina as smart and charismatic, someone who knows right from wrong, adding this is a situation they believe could happen to anyone.

“We are actively engaged with local law enforcement officials in their investigation and doing all we can to support our team member’s family during this time,” a spokesperson from American Airlines wrote to Local 10 News on Friday morning.

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