The death of an Ohio architect, who reportedly went missing with his fiancée and two other family members in Mexico around Christmas Day, was confirmed by his employer Tuesday.
José Gutierrez was in Mexico visiting his fiancée, Daniela Pichardo, and two of her relatives when they disappeared, according to the New York Post (NYP). His death was confirmed in a Facebook post shared by his employer, Champlin Architecture.
“He was a valuable member of the Champlin team, working on projects for clients such as The Christ Hospital, Hamilton County, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and University of Cincinnati. His work bettered the lives of those in the community he chose to make his home,” the company wrote.
Mexican authorities found four bodies inside a van covered with bullet holes in the state of Zacatecas in mid-January, the NYP reported. Three of the four bodies were confirmed as Pichardo, her sister and her cousin, both of whom were in their mid-20s, according to the outlet. The family may have been using the van to drive around the state, the NYP reported, citing TV Azteca.
The remains of the fourth body reportedly belonged to a man, believed to be Gutierrez, the NYP continued. DNA confirmation is allegedly needed before authorities can definitively identify the body. (RELATED: 14 Killed, Dozens Escape After Suspected Cartels Open Fire On Mexican Prison Near US Border)
The U.S. Department of State in October 2022 placed Zacatecas on its “do not travel” advisory list due to widespread “violent crime, extortion, and gang activity” throughout the region.
Witnesses alleged they heard fearful screaming and saw the four individuals being dragged into the van on or around Christmas Day, according to the NYP. The families of both Gutierrez and his fiancée worried the couple had been abducted when they stopped hearing from them after the holiday, the outlet continued, citing TV Azteca.