An Ohio architect, his fiancé and two family members who went missing in Mexico on Christmas Day have died.
The death of José Gutiérrez, who was in Mexico for the holidays with his fiancée Daniela Pichardo, was announced by his employer Champlin Architecture in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“He will be missed by all of us more than words can express,” the company wrote.
Last week, local authorities in Mexico found four bodies and a van riddled with bullet holes in the state of Zacatecas, according to local media.
Three of the four bodies have been identified as Pichardo, his sister and his cousin. The fourth body, which belongs to a man, is said to be the remains of Gutiérrez, Ohio news channel Fox 19 reported.
Researchers are waiting for DNA confirmation before they can conclusively identify the remains.
The van had at least a dozen bullet holes, as well as flat tires. It is believed to be the vehicle the quartet used to get around Zacatecas, TV Azteca reported.
Gutiérrez and Pichardo’s families feared they had been kidnapped after hearing no news after Christmas Day.
Witnesses reported hearing screams of panic and seeing the four being pulled into a van.
The US State Department is placing Zacatecas on its “do not travel” advisory for Americans due to previous kidnappings and ongoing violence in the area.
“Violent crime, extortion and gang activity are common in the state of Zacatecas. US citizens and LPR [lawful permanent residents] were victims of kidnappings,” said the alderman.
Gutiérrez was born in Mexico before moving to the United States. He received his master’s degree from the University of Miami and worked for the Cincinnati-based firm Champlin Architecture.
The company announced it plans to establish a scholarship in his name at his alma mater “to honor his impact on our company and community.”
Gutiérrez and Pichardo planned to get married this year.
New York Post
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