An urgent search has been launched for a British hiker who disappeared in the Italian Alps five days ago.
Matthew Hall, 33, vanished on July 9th while walking in the mountains of Valchiavenna.
An urgent search effort was launched when Mr Hall failed to show up for checkout at the local bed and breakfast where he was staying.
All attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful but his last communication has now been revealed.
On the day Mr Hall went missing he texted a friend to say he’d lost the trail and stopped to rest.
This is the last time anyone heard anything from the hiker.
The last known sighting was at the ‘All Right’ pub on July 7. The staff remember seeing him there, but have not seen him since.
Mr Hall, approximately 1.78 m tall with brown hair, had arrived in Chiavenna the on July 8, booking a stay at a B&B until July 11.
Matthew Hall, 33, has been missing for five days after disappearing on July 9th while walking in the mountains of Valchiavenna
An urgent search effort was launched when Mr Hall failed to show up for checkout at the local bed and breakfast where he was staying
The last known sighting was at the ‘All Right’ pub on July 7. The staff remember seeing him there, but have not seen him since. Pictured: Gole del Cardinello canyon, Valchiavenna
Anyone with information or who may have encountered Hall is asked to contact law enforcement
Upon his arrival, he asked for directions to hikes in the area, and the hosts suggested several high-altitude itineraries.
In the following days, although he never collected his breakfast, the hotel owners weren’t concerned and simply assumed he’d left early for a walk.
But, on the 11th, when he hadn’t returned for checkout, alarm bells started to ring.
The next day, the B&B owners entered Mr Hall’s room and found all his personal belongings and documents inside, but not his backpack. His phone was turned off.
They contacted the police and a manhunt began.
The operation, which began on July 13th, is being coordinated by the Prefecture and involves the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza, and the Alpine Rescue team.
Anyone with information or who may have encountered Hall is asked to contact law enforcement.
