Body of Hiker Missing Since New Year’s Day Found in Mountain Range 5 Months After Search Began: Report

Body of Missing Hiker Discovered in Mountain Range

The body of a hiker who had been missing since New Year’s Day has been found in a mountain range, according to reports. Aziz Ziriat, along with his friend Samuel Harris, went missing in early January while hiking in the Dolomites in Italy. The pair, who are from London, were reported missing after they failed to catch their flight back home on January 6 after their trip to the mountain range.

Harris’ body was discovered on January 8, but the search for Ziriat continued for several months. Finally, on May 31, after extensive search efforts, emergency responders located Ziriat’s body in the Dolomites Mountains in northern Italy. The discovery marked the end of a long and challenging search mission that started back in January when the pair went missing.

According to BBC News, Ziriat, 36, was found lying in a rocky crevice, approximately 1,300 feet away from where Harris, 35, was found earlier. The search operation was complicated by weather conditions and other challenges in the rugged mountain terrain. The rescuers from Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue eventually located Ziriat’s body after lowering themselves down the wall where the dog finally signalled the body’s location under the snow.

Although the cause of death has not been disclosed, there are speculations that Ziriat may have fallen from above. The circumstances leading to their disappearance and tragic end remain unclear. Both Ziriat and Harris were described as experienced hikers by a college friend. Their families and loved ones have expressed immense gratitude for the efforts of the rescue teams and volunteers who participated in the search and recovery operations.

In a statement following the discovery, Ziriat’s family expressed devastation over the tragic turn of events and commended the tireless work of the rescue teams despite the challenging conditions. The family remained hopeful for Ziriat’s safe return before the tragic news broke. Ziriat’s girlfriend, Rebecca Dimmock, mentioned that it was not unusual for him and Harris to go off-grid during their hiking trips, as they enjoyed spending nights outdoors in nature.

The recovery efforts involved multiple rescue organisations, including Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza Rescue, and Italy’s Carabinieri, highlighting the extensive collaborative work that went into finding the missing hikers. Further details surrounding the investigation and the events leading up to the hikers’ disappearance are yet to be revealed, leaving many questions unanswered.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with outdoor activities, especially in remote and challenging terrains. The story of Aziz Ziriat and Samuel Harris underscores the importance of safety precautions and preparedness while embarking on adventures in the wilderness. The recovery of Ziriat’s body brings closure to a long and arduous search process, offering some solace to their grieving families and friends.