Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing British Hiker Found in Northern Italy
The search for a missing British hiker in northern Italy has come to a heartbreaking conclusion. Aziz Ziriat, 36, was reported missing in January while hiking in the stunning Dolomites alongside his friend Sam Harris, 35. Tragically, Harris’s body was found shortly after their disappearance, buried under snow about a kilometer away from their last known location at the base of the southern face of Carè Alto mountain.
On Saturday, rescuers from the Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue team discovered Ziriat’s remains, also buried in snow in the same mountainous region. The team had been airlifted to the site that morning to continue their search efforts near where Harris had been located. Initially, their search yielded no results, but after descending along the rocky terrain, a rescue dog from the Italian Financial Police’s Alpine rescue unit detected Ziriat’s body hidden in a crevice beneath layers of snow. His remains were found nearly 1,000 meters away from Harris’s location, at a lower altitude of 400 meters.
Following the discovery, Ziriat’s body was airlifted to a nearby sports field in Spiazzo Rendena, where arrangements for his funeral transport were made. The rescue team promptly informed Ziriat’s family about the grim find.
The two Londoners were last known to be at a mountain hut called Casina Dosson, located in the San Valentino Valley near Tione di Trento, close to the picturesque Lake Garda. They had been exploring the Carè Alto mountain area during the New Year festivities, and concern grew when they missed their return flight on January 6.
The search involved dedicated efforts from firefighters, the Italian Financial Police’s Alpine Rescue team, and the volunteer organization Nu.Vol. A. In a statement earlier this year, Mr. Ziriat’s family expressed their gratitude for the commitment shown by the search teams, highlighting their outstanding dedication to finding Aziz.
A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated, "We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Northern Italy and are in contact with local authorities."
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with hiking in mountainous areas and the importance of ensuring safety during outdoor adventures.
