Missing 15-year-old Sofía Cortés Ortiz found safe in Cali
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Sofía Cortés Ortiz, 15, who was reported missing in Cali, Colombia, has been found safe.
- Her father, former Corfecali manager Argemiro Cortés, confirmed her well-being and thanked the public for their support.
- Authorities investigated anonymous calls suggesting a kidnapping, but the family confirmed she was not abducted.
Fifteen-year-old Sofía Cortés Ortiz, who had been reported missing in Cali, Colombia, has been found safe and in good health, according to her father, Argemiro Cortés, former manager of Corfecali.
"Sofía is now home and in good health. Infinite thanks for your solidarity and support," Cortés announced, expressing gratitude to the Fiscalía, Policía, Gobernación del Valle, and Personería de Cali for their assistance in the search. Sofía had disappeared on July 2 after leaving her home in the Quintas de don Simón neighborhood, heading to a nearby court to see her brother.
The family received anonymous calls that suggested a possible kidnapping and ransom demand. However, Argemiro Cortés clarified that his daughter was not abducted. He highlighted the community's swift response and the collaborative efforts of various authorities, including the Secretary of Citizen Coexistence and Security of the department, Guillermo Londoño.
Sofía was found by the Metropolitan Police of Cali near midnight on July 3 in the eastern part of the city. Former prosecutor and lawyer Élmer Montaña praised the public's solidarity and the mobilization of different sectors, emphasizing how community reports, based on sightings shared through media coverage, helped the police organize an effective operation to locate the teenager. She is currently undergoing medical evaluation.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.