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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
