Tragic News: UT Austin Student and Wife Vanish in Mexico

UT Austin Student and Wife Vanish in Mexico, Family Pleads for Help After Two Months.

Austin, TX – The family of a University of Texas at Austin student and his wife, who went missing in Mexico over two months ago, is desperately seeking answers and urging authorities to intensify their search efforts.

Tanner Maldonado, 25, and his wife, Melissa Flores, 28, were last seen on July 21 in the city of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The couple had traveled to Mexico to visit Flores’ family and explore the region.

According to Maldonado’s family, the couple was supposed to return to Austin on August 1, but all communication ceased abruptly. Their phones and social media accounts have been inactive since July 22.

“We’re getting increasingly worried with each passing day,” said Maldonado’s mother, Debbie Maldonado. “We just want to know that they’re safe and bring them home.”

The U.S. Department of State and the Mexican government have been notified, and an investigation is underway. However, the family claims that progress has been slow.

“We understand that these investigations take time, but it’s agonizing for us,” said Maldonado’s father, John Maldonado. “We’re pleading with authorities to do everything possible to locate our son and daughter-in-law.”

Tanner Maldonado is a graduate student in the University of Texas’s Latin American Studies program. His professors describe him as an exceptional student with a deep passion for the region.

“Tanner is an outstanding student and an even better person,” said Dr. Caroline Faria, Maldonado’s advisor. “We’re all deeply concerned and hope for his safe return.”

The university has offered support to the family and is working closely with authorities.

The disappearance of the couple has raised concerns about travel safety in Mexico, particularly in regions plagued by cartel violence.

“We urge Americans to exercise increased caution when traveling to Mexico,” said a U.S. Department of State spokesperson. “We’re working closely with Mexican authorities to resolve this case.”

As the search continues, the Maldonado family is seeking help from anyone who may have information.

“We beg anyone who knows anything to come forward,” Debbie Maldonado said. “We need your help to bring our son and daughter-in-law home.”

A reward fund has been established to support the search efforts.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Tanner Maldonado and Melissa Flores is urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

The family’s ordeal has sparked an outpouring of support from the UT Austin community and beyond.

“We’re keeping Tanner and Melissa in our thoughts and prayers,” said UT Austin President Jay Hartzell. “We will continue to support the family during this difficult time.”

As the search enters its third month, the Maldonado family remains hopeful.

“We won’t give up,” John Maldonado said. “We’ll keep fighting until our son and daughter-in-law are back home, safe and sound.”

Contact Information:

For updates and information on the search efforts, please visit the “Find Tanner and Melissa” Facebook page.

To contribute to the reward fund, please visit [insert link].

If you have any information regarding the disappearance, please contact:

U.S. Embassy in Mexico City: [insert contact information]
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): [insert contact information]