Man Who Was 'Missing' For Two Years Found After His Family Spotted Him On TikTok

A man who had been missing for nearly two years was unexpectedly found after appearing in the background of a TikTok video. The discovery brought an end to a long and emotional search led by his worried family.

The man, identified as 41-year-old Diego Londoño, is a Colombian philosopher and musician who had last been seen in Peru before all contact was lost. For two years, his family tried to trace his whereabouts, fearing the worst after hearing nothing from him.

Everything changed when a social media influencer noticed clues about his location online and decided to step in, sparking a renewed effort to find him. What started as a viral mystery quickly turned into a remarkable reunion story.

An Ecuadorian businesswoman named Amy Solano took it upon herself to help locate Diego. She traveled to the Peruvian city of Chiclayo after receiving reports that he had recently been spotted in the coastal town of Máncora, not far away.

Her first day of searching didn’t lead to any success, but she refused to give up. On September 25, her persistence paid off when she managed to record a video of him and post it on TikTok, sharing updates about her search with her followers. The clip quickly gained attention, spreading across platforms and eventually reaching authorities.

The viral video not only confirmed that Diego was alive but also helped reconnect him with the people who had been looking for him for years. It became a real example of how social media can be used for something positive.

Amy Solano found Diego Londoño Instagram

Thanks to Solano’s video, police were able to locate Diego, and the Peruvian National Police (PNP) took him into custody to ensure his safety. Officers confirmed his identity and reached out to his family to share the long-awaited news that he had been found alive and well.

After the emotional confirmation, his relatives expressed their relief, saying they were thankful to finally know he was safe after such a long period of uncertainty. Authorities later reported that he was currently staying in Chiclayo and planning to travel to Lima in the near future.

Local media reported that this move would allow him to sort out paperwork and prepare for the next phase of his journey, though his plans about returning home remained uncertain.

Once in Lima, Diego was expected to continue on to Colombia, where his family resides. However, reports later suggested that he might not be ready to return just yet, as he appears to live a nomadic lifestyle by choice.

According to statements made by the National Police, Diego told officers that he preferred to remain independent and had no immediate plans to reunite with his family. His life on the road seems to be something he embraces rather than avoids.

Authorities shared that while his family had hoped to bring him home, they respected his decision to live freely and continue his travels through South America.

"He himself said that he does not want to return to his country," police told reporters, according to local outlets.

The Peruvian National Police confirmed that Diego was not in any kind of danger and did not appear to be living in distress. They emphasized that he was capable of taking care of himself and had chosen his current way of life voluntarily.

They assured his family that, while his lifestyle might seem unusual, he was living safely and did not require any special intervention.

Authorities shared that Diego was temporarily housed at a local police station for one night, where he received meals, clothing, and assistance in contacting his relatives. During his stay, officers offered him support and ensured that he was in good health before allowing him to continue on his way.

He later managed to speak by phone with his three sisters — Olga, Martha, and Lucía — who were relieved to hear his voice. According to reports, the sisters said they understood his desire for freedom and would honor his choice not to return to Colombia for the time being.

Police later told local media: "There is no complaint of disappearance. He spoke with his sisters and made it clear that he does not want to return to Colombia."

They also mentioned that Diego declined an offer for a psychological evaluation but showed no signs of any health issues or distress during his time at the station. Officers described him as articulate, calm, and clear about his personal choices.

"He is a polyglot man who moves through different cities of the country, subsisting on the sale of handicrafts in bronze and copper," authorities reportedly said, explaining that Diego supports himself by creating and selling handcrafted items made from bronze and copper as he travels between cities.

Now that he plans to travel to Lima, officers said they advised him to occasionally check in at local police stations along the way. This, they explained, would help prevent new reports of him going missing or raise unnecessary concern among his family members.

In an interview with Éxito Noticias, Diego spoke about his journey and his intentions moving forward, sharing insight into his life as a wanderer who values his freedom and independence above all else.

"It's difficult for me to explain that I'm not like other people, but my family is there. [...] From here to Lima and from there back to Colombia. I need to work a little, I almost never have plans," he said, describing his plans to keep moving and working while staying connected with his loved ones from afar.