Body of hiker missing in Dolomites since New Year's Day found

Body of hiker missing in Dolomites since New Year's Day found

The search team in Italy has reported the discovery of the body of a British hiker who had been missing in the Dolomites. Aziz Ziriat, aged 36, was found lying in a rocky crevice on Saturday, approximately 400m (1,300ft) below where the body of his friend, Sam Harris, aged 35, was previously found. Both hikers, who hailed from London, had disappeared while out hiking in January.

Specialist search teams, including a canine unit, made the grim discovery of Mr. Ziriat’s body in the Passo di Conca area. Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue confirmed the find, highlighting the painstaking effort of the rescuers as they descended the wall below the slope to uncover the body buried beneath snow in a rocky crevice. The victim’s family was promptly notified of the tragic development.

Mr. Harris’s body had been found on January 8th, following the duo’s vanishing act on January 1st, leading to concerns after they missed their return flight on January 6th. The last known location of the two friends was in the vicinity of a mountain hut known as Casina Dosson near the town of Tione Di Trento, close to Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda. Palace for Life, the charity affiliated with Crystal Palace FC where Mr. Ziriat served as head of community engagement, expressed deep sorrow over his disappearance, highlighting his impactful contributions and positive influence on those around him.

Friends and colleagues described Mr. Ziriat as a passionate individual with a drive to effect positive change, bringing warmth and positivity to everyone he encountered. A university friend, Joe Stone, mentioned that the two were experienced hikers who enjoyed going off the grid, but concerns arose when they failed to follow through on their planned return. The tragic end to this hiking trip has left a somber mood as the beloved hiker’s body was finally located, closing a chapter in this unfortunate tale of two missing friends

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