A British man who vanished during a solo hiking trip in the Italian Alps has been found dead near a remote mountain viewpoint.
The body of 33-year-old Matthew Hall, from Hull, was discovered on Thursday evening near the Cross of Daloo, a rugged peak above the town of Chiavenna in northern Italy.
Hall, an experienced walker, had not been seen since July 10. Italian authorities confirmed a body was located in a deep crevice close to the spot where he sent his final message, telling a friend he’d taken a wrong turn and was stopping to rest.
Last message and desperate search
The alarm was raised after Matthew failed to check out of his B&B on July 11. When staff entered his room, they found all his belongings – including documents and personal effects – still inside. His backpack, however, was missing.
A massive search was launched the following day, involving Alpine Rescue specialists, Carabinieri officers and the Guardia di Finanza. Drones were deployed to scour the steep slopes, while helicopters were brought in to support rescuers navigating the perilous terrain.
The 33-year-old had arrived in Italy on July 5 and was due to return home a week later. Friends described him as a confident solo traveller with a passion for the outdoors and strong experience of hiking mountainous landscapes.
Family flown in as hopes faded
Loved ones including his mother and close friends travelled to Italy to join the search, hoping for a miracle. His father had been due to fly out this weekend to assist with the efforts before the discovery was made.
Scott Hamilton, a friend who had been coordinating part of the search, had told Metro earlier this week that the family remained “hopeful” despite the tough conditions.
But late Thursday, search teams located a body in a difficult-to-access crevice near the mountain cross. Authorities say the position matched the location of Matthew’s final phone signal.
Authorities confirm identity
Italian emergency crews used a helicopter to recover the body due to the extreme risk involved in reaching the scene by foot. Although formal identification has not yet been completed, officials say the evidence strongly indicates it is Matthew Hall.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they are in contact with the family and local officials. A spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends back in Hull, where Matthew was well-known for his adventurous spirit and love of travel.
Local police in Chiavenna have launched an investigation into the incident, but early indications suggest there are no suspicious circumstances.
