Alberto Martínez was found dead in the Ebro river after a week-long search. His daughters led daily efforts and now express deep gratitude to all who supported them. Authorities and volunteers joined forces in the operation.
The search for Alberto Martínez ended in sorrow when his body was found in the Ebro river near Viana, Navarra, after a week of searching by family, authorities, and volunteers. The Martínez family has now publicly thanked everyone who supported them during those days.
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 grew, with people sharing photos, joining search parties, and offering help both in person and online.
The body of Alberto Martínez, 83, was discovered on September 12 near the Las Cañas commercial area in Viana, and identification was carried out by Policía Nacional and judicial authorities.
After the family confirmed the news, they thanked friends, neighbors, colleagues, and strangers for their support. They mentioned the hard work of the rescue teams and the encouragement that helped them keep going. The Martínez sisters said that every shared photo, message, and volunteer hour mattered in their search for answers.
Authorities are waiting for autopsy results to clarify how Alberto died. The family’s statement points to the power of collective action in difficult times. Their experience echoes other recent Spanish cases where community support has played a key role, such as the Madrid inheritance case that also drew attention to family bonds and support networks.
What stands out in the Martínez case is how the family refused to accept delays. Their push for more resources led authorities to expand the search. In Spain, missing persons cases often struggle for attention, but this case shows that determined families and a supportive community can make a difference. The Martínez family’s gratitude is a reminder that solidarity can bring dignity and closure, even in the hardest moments.
According to COPE La Rioja and Deia, the case was transferred to the jurisdiction of Navarra, with the Estella court overseeing further proceedings because the discovery occurred on Navarrese territory. The body was transported to the anatomical institute in Pamplona for autopsy, and as of publication, the official cause of death had not yet been released. This procedural shift highlights the cross-regional coordination required in such cases.
