BOGOTA, Colombia – A recent string of suspicious deaths of American citizens in Colombia has prompted the US mission in Bogota to issue a warning about the potential risks of dating in the South American country. The deaths, which occurred between November and December, involved circumstances indicative of involuntary drugging overdose or suspected homicides.
One of the victims, American comedian Tou Ger Xiong, 50, from Minnesota, was found dead with multiple stab wounds after being kidnapped during a trip to Colombia. Another victim, Jeff Hewett, was discovered deceased in his hotel room in Medellin, reportedly the victim of a “robbery gone bad.” These and other incidents have raised concerns among US authorities, who are urging caution for citizens using online dating apps in Colombia.
While the US embassy does not believe the incidents are directly connected, several of the deaths point to potential motives of drugging, robbery, and overdose, with ties to the use of online dating applications. Criminals have been known to exploit these apps to lure victims into public places like hotels, restaurants, and bars before carrying out robberies.
In response to the rise in suspicious deaths, US citizens in Colombia have been strongly urged to exercise caution when using online dating apps. Authorities advise meeting strangers in public places and avoiding isolated locations, telling a friend or family member of their plans, and avoiding physical resistance to robbery attempts.
In the city of Medellin, where a record-breaking 1.4 million tourists, including a large number of American visitors, were welcomed in 2022, the number of thefts committed against foreign visitors increased by 200 percent in the third trimester of 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin.
With the influx of tourists, particularly US citizens, increasing, it is crucial for travelers to be informed and exercise vigilance when using online dating apps and meeting individuals in Colombia. The rise in suspicious deaths serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks and dangers of using these platforms in a foreign country.