Missing Chicago man, 53, is found dead in Colombia 17 days after he vanished amid rise of American deaths in country

A Chicago man who had been reported missing was found dead inside his Medellín apartment, Colombian authorities said.

Peter Jankus’ remains were in a state of decomposition when police entered the home in the upscale neighborhood of El Poblado on Monday.

The 53-year-old had not been seen or heard of since April 5.

Concerned neighbors called the Medellín Metropolitan Police on Monday after they sensed a foul odor emanating from the home.

Chicago native Peter Jankus was found dead inside a Medellín apartment on Monday. Colombian law enforcement officials told DailyMail.com that the 53-year-old died from natural causes and that they are now awaiting the results of an autopsy

At least nine Americans have died from natural causes or have been killed while vacationing in Medellín in 2024

Authorities said the local fire department assisted in opening the door for cops, who found Jankus lying in his bed.

His body was removed from the residence by the Attorney General’s technical investigation team and transferred to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.

A law enforcement official told DailyMail.com on Tuesday that Jankus died from natural causes.

Another official told DailyMail.com that his body was transferred to the medical examiner's office and that they are awaiting the results of an autopsy.

As of Tuesday, 17 foreigners have been reported in the Aburrá Valley, including nine in Medellín, in 2024.

Former American cop, William Barta died after falling from a balcony at the Ibis Hotel on March 27.

Los Angeles native Josué Cardona was stabbed dead in a fight at an apartment on February 24. Authorities arrested two suspects as they attempted to flee the scene.

Two suspects were arrested Saturday, moments after one of them stabbed U.S. citizen Josué Cardona to death and wounded Rafael Vega, a native of Venezuela, during a fight at an apartment in Medellín, Colombia

Medellín cops escort two suspects linked to the murder of Cardona, who was stabbed dead at an apartment Saturday

Three Americans were found dead in their hotel or Airbnb apartments within a span of five days earlier this month.

Dakarai Cobb, 47, was found dead in his rental on February 5. His cell phone, credit cards and passport were reported missing. Anthony López, 29, was discovered dead in his room on February 4, a day after he was seen entering the building with two women.

Manly Conley, 37, died February 4 after he fell from the balcony of his 17th-floor Airbnb rental.

In January, the United States Embassy in Colombia warned travelers about the use of dating apps.

The advisory was issued following the deaths of eight Americans in Medellín between November 1 and December 31, 2023.

The embassy said that several of the deaths pointed to 'possible drugging, robbery, and overdose and several involve the use of online dating applications.' 

American visitors were advised that they should 'strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.'

'It is also recommended that if Americans decide to invite a person they met to a home or hotel, they speak to the 'attendant/concierge beforehand and establish a policy as to what information your new visitor should provide before being authorized entry (photo of identification, etc.) and what process should be followed when your visitor departs,' the mission said.

Tinder followed by issuing a safety advisory in January, recommending that users utilize extra caution when they decide to meet their dates.