Alejandro Sandí, the actor who was abducted Sunday while on a weekend trip to a mountainous region of Mexico, has been rescued. The French citizen who was taken along with Sandí has also been recovered safely.
Sandí is a Mexican actor known for the Telemundo TV narco series “El Señor de los Cielos,” or “Lord of the Skies.” A press release from the Mexican government was issued Monday evening to confirm the safety of both individuals.
The two men were abducted Sunday near a volcanic mountain peak called Nevado de Toluca, a national park and popular tourist destination west of Mexico City. Accompanying Sandí in the vehicle were actresses Esmeralda Ugalde — sister of Mexican recording artist Ana Bárbara — and Vanessa Aria, who explained the experience in a video posted to Instagram Sunday.
According to Ugalde and Aria, they were riding with Sandí when their SUV was cut off by armed robbers, who abducted Sandí, stole the vehicle, their bags and cellphones. The women filed a report with Mexican authorities and hoped for their friend’s safety.
The French Foreign Ministry and Mexican authorities coordinated to rescue Sandí and the French citizen, who has since been identified as Frédéric Michel. It is unclear if they had been traveling together initially or if they were in separate vehicles.
“After becoming aware of the fact, communication was established with the French Embassy, and research and intelligence work was carried out for the location of the victims, who once released, received the corresponding attention,” the English translation of the statement from the Mexican Government reads.
No word from authorities as to if the suspects are known or are in custody.
Telemundo TV and NBCUniversal did not responded to TheWrap’s request for comment Monday.