The tragic death of Ana Carolina Saucedo Bahena, a 22-year-old student from the Universidad del Valle de México, has deeply shaken the Monterrey community. Ana Carolina went missing on February 7, 2025, after being dropped off at her university and was found dead three days later on the slopes of Cerro de las Mitras.
Her family reported her missing after realizing she had not participated in classes as expected. Ana Carolina’s mother, Ana Laura Bahena García, last saw her daughter when she was dropped off at the university and later realized she had failed to check-in for her courses. Concerned, she alerted the authorities when repeated attempts to reach her went unanswered.
According to local reports, Ana had intended to hike at Cerro de las Mitras but was unaccounted for after signing the register at the hiking access point. Security personnel confirmed she had ventured alone, raising questions about her safety.
Authorities mobilized various search teams, utilizing helicopters, drones, and ground units to scour the mountainous region. After extensive efforts, her body was discovered on February 10, alongside her belongings, roughly four kilometers from the university. The area where she was found, known as "Cama de Piedra," is considered safe for beginners, sparking questions about how this tragedy could occur.
Upon discovery, her body was reported to be at an advanced state of decomposition, with no immediate signs of violence. A plastic bag was found covering her head, as reported by the Fiscalía General de Justicia del Estado, which aims to determine the cause of death through autopsy results expected to be released within two weeks.
The news about Ana Carolina's tragic end has made headlines across the region, prompting public outcry and concerns about safety regulations on hiking trails. Her family is receiving significant support from the community, which is uniting to share information to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Ana Carolina was beloved among her friends and family, known for her vibrant personality, which is emphasized by the emotional messages shared on social media. She recently changed her Facebook profile picture to one with her siblings, reflecting her attachment to family and nature. Surprising many, Ana had also posted about safety recommendations for those who might go missing, illustrating her thoughtful character.
Her uncle, Luis Efrén Ríos Vega, who holds a position as magistrate at the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Coahuila, publicly sought community assistance to locate his niece during her disappearance. "Me ayudan a compartir para buscar y encontrar a mi querida sobrina, Ana Carolina," he pleaded, highlighting the family’s desperation to find her.
Now, with investigations underway, the local authorities are also examining the actions and procedures of those involved during both the search and investigation processes. The community eagerly awaits answers to numerous questions, particularly about safety measures on local hiking trails.
While Ana Carolina's case has garnered significant media attention, advocates and community leaders are calling for additional measures and regulations to protect individuals exploring nature. They hope it will prevent future tragedies and highlight the importance of safe practices during outdoor activities.
The investigation remains active as the Fiscalía de Nuevo León gathers more information and works diligently to piece together the circumstances surrounding Ana Carolina’s untimely passing. Authorities are committed to getting to the bottom of this tragedy—a pledge reflected by the multi-faceted search efforts deployed by various agencies.
For now, Ana Carolina's memory serves as both a heartbreak and reminder of the importance of vigilance and community in ensuring safety for individuals venturing outdoors. Her story is not just about loss; it poses wider questions about system effectiveness, community engagement, and personal safety awareness.
The case of Ana Carolina serves not only to unite Monterrey's citizens but also to raise awareness of the potential dangers lurking along seemingly safe trails. The local populace mourns her loss, reflecting on their responsibility to protect one another and honor her memory.