The relatives of a British hiker who remains missing in the Dolomites have expressed their devastation after his companion was tragically found deceased. Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, both from London, vanished while trekking in Italy’s Dolomite mountains on January 1.
They were scheduled to return on January 6, but concerns were raised when they didn’t catch their flight back, prompting a search operation. On Wednesday, it was confirmed by rescue teams that Mr Harris had been discovered “buried under the snow” at about 2,600m, near where a phone signal had last been detected.
An FCDO spokesperson stated 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. ‘ The hunt for Mr Ziriat is ongoing after his mobile phone, card, and glasses were found near where Mr Harris was located.
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In a heartfelt statement, Mr Ziriat’s family shared: “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.”, reports the Mirror.
Joe Stone, a university friend of Mr Ziriat, disclosed that authorities were “trying everything” in the effort to find him. “There is an acceptance among us that it’s not going to be good news,” confessed Mr Stone on Saturday.
“But it would be really nice to find him and be put out of this limbo.”
The last known whereabouts of the pair had been in a mountain refuge known as Casina Dosson. A video posted on the day they went missing showed their intentions to leave their backpacks at the hut for a day while heading to the next valley, hoping for a “frolicking” day.
In the footage, Mr Ziriat commented on their shelter, “this little Bivacco – absolute quality little setup”, but noted: “It’s a bit icy and I’m only wearing my flipflops.”
Crystal Palace Football Club, where Mr Ziriat is an employee, has joined the online call for assistance, posting: “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.”
Aziz Ziriat and Samuel Harris
Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris went missing in the Dolomites
(Image: PA)
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)