In the quiet suburb of Davie, Florida, a tight-knit community is enveloped in grief, mourning the loss of Hunter Raymond Gutierrez, a 30-year-old man whose warm smile and gentle spirit touched countless lives. After vanishing without a trace in early June, Hunter’s story captured the hearts of those near and far, sparking a relentless search that united neighbors, friends, and strangers in a shared hope for his safe return. Tragically, that hope was extinguished when his body was found in a local lake on Thursday, August 7, 2025, bringing a sorrowful end to a months-long ordeal.

Hunter was last seen in the early hours of June 1, 2025, stepping out into the night from his home in the Imagination Farms neighborhood, near the 13800 block of Southwest 39th Street. He left behind his wallet, cellphone, and all personal belongings—a detail that deepened the concern for his well-being. Known to struggle with mental health challenges, including depression, Hunter’s sudden disappearance prompted the Davie Police Department to classify him as a “missing endangered person.” His family, led by his father, Bill Gutierrez—a retired Hollywood Fire captain with 31 years of service—refused to let hope fade. They tirelessly canvassed the area, plastering flyers across Davie, Plantation, and Weston, while pleading for any clue that might lead them to Hunter.

The community rallied with extraordinary compassion. Social media buzzed with posts sharing Hunter’s description: a 5-foot-11 man with a distinctive limp, last seen wearing dark shorts and a gray T-shirt, possibly barefoot. Residents checked security cameras, scoured local parks, homeless shelters, and churches, and shared the family’s desperate pleas. “Bubba, you need to come home,” Bill Gutierrez said in a heartfelt video message, his voice breaking with emotion. “We need you home. Everything else, we can figure out and make better.” The emotional toll was compounded by personal losses Hunter had recently endured, including the anniversary of his brother’s death and the passing of a beloved family pet, which may have weighed heavily on his heart.

For over two months, the search pressed on, fueled by the family’s unwavering determination and the community’s support. Volunteers combed through neighborhoods, while authorities followed every lead, no matter how faint. A possible sighting at The Fountains shopping center in Plantation sparked brief hope, but the trail remained cold. The uncertainty gnawed at those who loved Hunter, described by friends as a “gentle, loving, and funny” soul whose kindness left a lasting mark.

Then, on August 7, the devastating discovery came. A body was found in a lake in Davie, its location undisclosed by police as the medical examiner worked to confirm its identity. Though official confirmation was pending, Hunter’s family took to social media the following day, their words heavy with grief. “With heavy hearts, we regret to share that Hunter was found yesterday,” they wrote in a Facebook post on August 8. “It is hard to express the depths of our sadness facing the loss of such a warm and loving son/brother.” The post thanked the community for their “invaluable” support, particularly acknowledging the “fire family” tied to Bill Gutierrez’s decades of service. “While we wished the outcome could have been different, this news has brought some important closure,” they added, a bittersweet acknowledgment of the end of their agonizing wait.

The Davie Police Department continues its investigation, with no indication of foul play reported at this time. As the community processes this loss, Hunter’s story has reignited conversations about mental health awareness. Authorities and advocates are urging those in crisis to reach out to resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 211 services in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, available 24/7 for support. Hunter’s struggles, though private, resonate as a poignant reminder of the silent battles many face and the critical need for compassion and vigilance.

As the Gutierrez family begins the painful journey of grieving, they have asked for privacy while they prepare to honor Hunter’s memory. Details of funeral and memorial services are expected to be shared in the coming days, offering a chance for the community to come together once more—this time to celebrate a life that, though cut short, left an indelible impact.

Hunter Raymond Gutierrez’s story is one of love, loss, and a community’s unyielding spirit. Though he is no longer with us, his warmth and the unity he inspired will linger in Davie, a testament to the power of hope and the enduring strength of those who loved him. Rest in peace, Hunter.