Italy’s alpine rescue service have been searching the Dolomite mountains for more than a week for two British hikers – Sam Harris, 35, and Aziz Ziriat, 36 – who have not been seen or heard from since January 1.
A body was found on Wednesday (January 8), with reports from Italian news agency Ansa suggesting it has been identified as Mr Harris.
The pair, who are both from London, did not check in for their flight home on January 6.Aziz Ziriat (left) is 36 and 6’3″, while Sam Harris (right) is 35 and 5’11” (Image: Palace for Life) Their last known location was near a mountain hut called Casina Dosson, close to the town of Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda.
A spokesperson for Italy’s National Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS) said: “After a day of pause due to bad weather, the search for the second English mountaineer missing for several days in the Adamello group in Trentino resumed this morning.
“The lifeless body of the first hiker was found by a canine unit on Wednesday.
“Currently, four canine units from the Soccorso Alpino and the Guardia di Finanza, along with 30 rescuers from the Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Trentino, are operating on-site.
“They were airlifted to the area by the Guardia di Finanza and the Fire Brigade.”
Palace For Life, the official charity of Crystal Palace FC, posted on X saying: “We are aware of reports that the body of Sam Harris has been recovered.
“We are devastated to receive this news and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones.
“No further information is currently available regarding the whereabouts of Aziz.”
We are aware of reports that the body of Sam Harris has been recovered.
We are devastated to receive this news and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones.
No further information is currently available regarding the whereabouts of Aziz.
— Palace for Life (@PalaceForLife) January 8, 2025
An investigation is under way into the circumstances of the incident, the CNSAS spokesperson said.
The CNSAS said the search would continue and the families of both men had been informed.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in northern Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”