Zafar Mawani's Family Thanks Supporters After American Found Dead With Partner in Mexico

The family of Zafar Padamese Mawani confirmed on Wednesday that the American man and his partner, Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz, were found dead in Mexico after disappearing in May. The couple, who had relocated from Chicago to Mexico City, were among several bodies discovered in the mountains on the outskirts of the capital. Mexican authorities had been searching for the men following several arrests related to the case. The detained individuals subsequently informed authorities of the bodies' location, leading prosecutors to find four unidentified corpses in the mountains.

Mawani's family expressed deep gratitude for the support received during the search. "We are profoundly grateful to everyone who tried to help bring Zafar back home to us: the investigators on the ground, our core strategy and support team, the authorities of both countries, generous volunteer organizations, as well as friends and loved ones who offered to help without being asked," the family stated. Mawani, 56, was a U.S. citizen, while Hidalgo Ortiz, also 56, was identified through a federal missing persons bulletin. They were last seen together south of Mexico City, approximately 50 kilometers east of the La Marquesa National Park mountains.

According to the latest federal data, over 135,000 people have disappeared in Mexico due to criminal violence, a figure that continues to rise. The bulletin for Hidalgo Ortiz, issued by Mexico City authorities, did not specify his nationality but confirmed he was with Mawani when they vanished. Reports from NBC News Chicago indicated unusual withdrawals from the couple's bank accounts prior to their disappearance. They had reportedly been in Mexico to care for Mawani's mother.

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We are profoundly grateful to everyone who tried to help bring Zafar back home to us: the investigators on the ground, our core strategy and support team, the authorities of both countries, generous volunteer organizations, as well as friends and loved ones who offered to help without being asked.