In a somber update from the region nearby Alicante, authorities confirmed the recovery of a man reported missing several days earlier. The individual had disappeared from his home in Elda on Monday afternoon, with a search operation kicking off the following day and continuing to this day. The discovery marks the fourth day of the coordinated effort to locate him, and a formal autopsy will determine the cause of death.
The body was found on the outskirts of the town, in a rural stretch behind notable landmarks such as the Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium and the Juan Rico y Amat school. Located roughly a kilometer from the search subject’s residence, the remains will soon be transported to the Alicante Forensic Medicine Institute for examination. The autopsy is expected to provide clarity on how the events unfolded and whether any external factors contributed to the death, according to statements from local authorities and medical examiners. [Authorities’ statement]
The location chosen, though outside the city center, is a familiar space for the local community. It is frequented by nearby property owners and country residents, and it is commonly traversed by athletes, walkers, and others who use the rural routes for daily exercise. This area has seen prior activity related to the various outdoor activities that residents enjoy in their spare moments, and it has also drawn attention during public safety operations in recent times. [Community context]
Shakira Martínez, a performer associated with the Eldense community and the granddaughter of the missing person, posted a brief but poignant message on social media confirming the outcome. The note expressed gratitude to those involved in the search and indicated a temporary withdrawal from social networks. The family’s online communication emphasized appreciation for the public’s assistance during the investigation. [Family statement]
The missing individual, aged 59, faced mobility challenges and suffered from dementia, details that were noted during discussions with family and in the initial briefing provided to authorities. The family urged residents to participate in the search by checking garages, fields, common areas, and facilities in the area, especially during the period surrounding the city’s Moorish and Christian festivities. This later information aligned with the schedule of the community’s public events, which had concluded on the same day the person was last seen. [Family briefing]
At the time of disappearance, the person was described as wearing beige shorts, a shirt of a similar light tone, and blue flip-flops with white stripes. The clothing observed on the body after discovery matches those earlier reports, reinforcing the sequence of events as documented by investigators and family members. The ongoing investigation will consider all available evidence to determine the sequence and manner of death. [Observation notes]