Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, both from London, were hiking in Italy’s Dolomites mountains when they went missing on January 1. Tragically, Mr Harris’ body was discoverd on Wednesday
The family of a British hiker still missing in the Dolotmites said they are “devastated” following the tragic discovery of his friend.
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, both from London, were hiking in Italy’s Dolomites mountains when they went missing on January 1. They were due to return home on January 6, but a search and rescue operation was launched as the two friends failed to board their return flight.
On Wednesday, rescue services confirmed Mr Harris’s body had been found “buried under the snow” at around 2,600m, where a phone signal had been last recorded. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Friday: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in northern Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.’
Meanwhile, the search for Mr Ziriat’s body continues after his mobile phone, card and glasses were discovered close to Mr Harris’ body. In a statement, Mr Ziriat’s heartbroken family said: “We have been devastated by the loss of our beloved Aziz. Our appreciation for the co-ordinated work and expertise of the Alpine Rescue, emergency services and volunteers in Italy is immeasurable.
“The work they have been doing, battling against challenging terrain and weather conditions, and their commitment to finding Aziz has been outstanding. We are also incredibly grateful for the overwhelmingly kind and generous ongoing support from family and friends, Aziz is continuing to be loved and prayed for. We hope, with all our hearts, he will be found and brought home soon.”
Joe Stone, a university friend of Mr Ziriat, revealed authorities were “trying everything” to find him. “There is an acceptance among us that it’s not going to be good news,” Mr Stone said on Saturday. “But it would be really nice to find him and be put out of this limbo.”
The pair’s last known location had been a mountain hut called Casina Dosson. A video on the day they were last heard from said they planned to leave their backpacks for a day before moving to the next valley as they wanted a day “frolicking.”
Mr Ziriat said in the clip they had just stayed at “this little Bivacco – absolute quality little setup”, and he added: “It’s a bit icy and I’m only wearing my flipflops.”
Cystal Palace Football Club, where Mr Ziriat works, posted an appeal for information on social media, writing: “Crystal Palace urges supporters to share any information they might have to help locate Palace for Life Foundation staff member Aziz Ziriat, and his friend Sam Harris, who have been missing since 1st January whilst hiking in the Dolomites mountains in northeastern Italy.
“The two were last heard from at 14:20 on Wednesday, 1st January, and they were believed to be near a hut called Casina Dosson – near the town Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda, on Lake Garda. We are appealing for anyone familiar with the area, who can provide assistance or information, to get in touch. If you know the area and can help, please dial 999 and reference CAD 0197/07 Jan25.”