A 33-year-old British hiker has gone missing while walking solo in the Italian Alps. Police and rescue teams continue searching for him.
Matthew Hall, a British hiker, went missing on 9 July after setting out on a walk from Chiavenna, a town in Lombardy close to the Swiss border. He had been staying at the B&B Ploncher, but staff raised no alarm when he missed breakfast several days in a row, assuming he had set off early on hiking routes.
His last known contact was at 1:20pm on the day he disappeared. He sent a photo to a friend from Alpe Daloo — a remote location above Chiavenna — followed by a message saying he was resting after taking a wrong turn while descending the mountain.
Hall had planned an eight-hour trek and was last seen wearing a beige top and carrying a black backpack. Italian reports suggest he may have headed towards Savogno or Dasile, or alternatively towards Pianazzola, Daloo or Lagunch.
His mother, Sara Foster, described him as an experienced walker who loved the outdoors. “We’d got lots of photos from him from the Saturday to the Monday and then it seemed to be a blank,” she said. “I’m very wobbly at the moment, obviously, but I’m really trying to stay positive.”
Ms Foster praised the work of Italian police and mountain rescue teams, who have continued to search despite difficult conditions. She said she was “so impressed” by the updates and support received so far.
Any information, contact authorities
Matthew was due to return to the UK on 12 July, flying from Milan to Manchester. The British Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting his family and is in contact with local authorities.
“If you’re walking around Chiavenna just keep an eye out,” said Ms Foster. “We just want him to come home.”
Matthew is described as being around 5ft 10in tall, with brown hair. Anyone in the region who may have seen him or has relevant information is urged to contact the Italian emergency services.
