The search for Alberto Martínez ended in sorrow when his body was found in the Ebro river near Viana, Navarra, after a week of efforts by his family, authorities and volunteers. The Martínez family has publicly thanked everyone who supported them during the search.
Alberto disappeared on September 5 in Logroño. From the start, his five daughters pushed for more resources and kept the case in the public eye. Their efforts brought in local police, firefighters, the aquatic GEO team from Guadalajara, a helicopter from Aragón, CEIS Rioja firefighters and the La Rioja Canine Rescue Unit. The search quickly expanded as people shared photos, joined search parties and offered help in person and online.
Alberto, 83, was found on September 12 near the Las Cañas commercial area in Viana. Policía Nacional and judicial authorities carried out the identification.
After confirming the news, the family thanked friends, neighbors, colleagues and strangers for their support. They praised the rescue teams’ hard work and the encouragement that helped them keep going. The Martínez sisters said every shared photo, message and volunteer hour mattered as they searched for answers.
Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to clarify how Alberto died. Information from COPE La Rioja and Deia, the case was transferred to Navarra’s jurisdiction, and the Estella court is overseeing further proceedings because the body was found in Navarrese territory. It was taken to the anatomical institute in Pamplona for an autopsy. As of publication, the official cause of death had not been released.
The family’s experience echoes other recent Spanish cases in which community support has played a basic role, including the Madrid inheritance case, which also drew attention to family bonds and support networks.
In the Martínez case, the family’s push for more resources led authorities to expand the search. Missing persons cases in Spain often struggle for attention, and the family’s gratitude reflects the support they received from their community.
