A BODY has been found in the search for the British hiker who went missing in Italy two weeks ago.
Matthew Hall, 33, disappeared while walking in the Italian Alps – and a body was found close to the town of Chiavenna, where he had been staying.
A search operation was launched after Matthew failed to show up to check out of his bed and breakfastFacebook
MEN MediaA poster calling for help in the search for Matthew[/caption]
A body has been found in the search for Matthew HallMEN Media
Matthew, from Hull, sent a final text to friends saying that he had lost the trail, and wasn’t seen or heard from again.
Italian police said the body was found at 19:00 local time and that Matthew’s family has been informed.
He was reportedly discovered in a crevice in a dangerous area, and a helicopter was needed to retrieve his body.
The IT worker had been was staying in a B&B at Valchiavenna near Sondrio on the day he disappeared.
It’s believed he was planning to complete an eight-hour trek, and the owner raised the alarm when he failed to check out two days later on July 11.
After setting off on the ninth, Matthew sent a text message to a friend saying he had taken a wrong turn and was having a rest.
He had also sent a picture of a cross landmark at Alpe Daloo near San Giacomo Filippo – which became the focus point of the search.
Pal Jacob White said he received the text at 13:37 UK time on July 9 – but that Matthew had “sounded relaxed”.
Jacob added that his friend “sounded as if any danger he might have seen was over”.
On July 12, the hotel owners entered his B&B room and found his belongings and documents still be there – but not his backpack.
He had failed collect his breakfast on the previous days, but it was assumed he’d simply left early for a walk.
The hotel contacted police and a manhunt was launched on July 13.
Concerned friends travelled to the town to help with the search and spread the message Matthew was missing.
Matthew began his solo hiking trip on July 5, and was due to fly back from Milan to Manchester on July 12.
He was known to be a competent hiker.
His family and friends have praised the Italian police and local rescue teams for their efforts in the search.
Matthew’s mum, Sara Foster, previously told BBC News: “I’m very wobbly at the moment, obviously, but I’m really trying to stay positive.”
FacebookHis last known sighting was at the ‘All Right’ pub on July 7[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
