An Australian trekker who went missing in Peru has been found dead, his family and friends have said. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Jordan Yap, 30, last made contact with friends and family on 14 September ahead of a planned 10-day solo trek along Peru's Huayhuash mountain range, 400km north-east of Lima.
In a social media post on Saturday, his friends and family said "with a heavy heart we are sorry to tell you Jordan has been found, and he did not survive".
"We want to thank everyone who has helped; friends and family, the contributors, the search teams, the police, the many groups we engaged with who gave their time and effort, everyone who helped to share on social media. We are appreciative of all of you.
Please remember Jordan as the vibrant man he was, and for the immense joy he brought to so many people's lives.
Rest in peace Jordan – from your friends and family."
The Melbourne man was last seen near the beginning of his trek across the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit, which is regarded as a challenging, high-altitude trek through the remote Andes mountains. His friends and family regarded him as a very experienced hiker.
His friends and family became concerned after he failed to make contact on his estimated return date, failed to check back into the Krusty hostel in Huaraz and missed a scheduled flight from Lima to Cusco.
The avid trekker misplaced a satellite beacon he was travelling with days before he set off on the 120km hike, raising further concerns.
A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who had died in Peru.
"We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment," they said.
Yap's trek followed the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit through the remote Andes mountains of Peru. The route is considered a challenging, high-altitude trek. His friends and family regarded him as a very experienced hiker.
He last made contact on 14 September before going missing. After his estimated return date passed, his friends and family began searching. The search involved friends, family, contributors, search teams, police and many people who helped share information on social media.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family. A spokesperson declined further comment, citing privacy obligations.
Jordan Yap was 30 years old. He was a resident of Melbourne. His trek was planned as a 10-day solo journey along Peru's Huayhuash mountain range. He was to cover a 120km route.
His friends and family asked that he be remembered as the vibrant man he was, and for the immense joy he brought to so many people's lives.