Melanie Aldaz, 19, missing after gender‑violence complaint near Corrientes bridge

Melanie Aldaz, a 19‑year‑old from Monte Caseros, Corrientes Province, was last seen on 25 June near the General Manuel Belgrano inter‑provincial bridge that links Corrientes with Chaco. Witnesses say she was wearing dark blue jeans, a light sweater and a blue jacket. The night before her disappearance she filed a complaint alleging gender‑based violence by her boyfriend.

The Argentine Naval Prefecture, assisted by the Chaco River Police and local authorities, launched a search operation along the Paraná River, conducting boat sweeps and aerial patrols around the bridge. Security‑camera footage captured Aldaz crossing the bridge railing; a volunteer from the “Ángeles del Puente” group testified she tried to prevent Aldaz from going over the rail but was unable to stop her. Her body has not yet been recovered.

The investigation, led by Fiscalía 2 of Corrientes, is examining both the circumstances of the fall and the prior alleged abuse, considering possible homicide or negligence. The family has called for a thorough probe into the harassment they say preceded the tragedy. The search continues as officials await forensic evidence.