A dramatic story is shaking the family of a British tourist who disappeared without a trace during a solo mountain trek in the mountainous regions of Northern Italy. Matthew Hall, a resident of Hull, has vanished without a trace on July 9 during an eight-hour tourist route in the picturesque Lombardy region.
According to statements by his mother Sara Foster, the young man sent his last selfie around 2:30 PM local time before disappearing without a trace. His last known location is the area around the "Plonher" hotel in the town of Chiavenna, from where he started his mountain adventure.
His friend Ben Lee, who arrived in Italy to assist in the search, reported that his last location was confirmed by a local girl in the church district. Currently, four mountain rescue teams and three helicopters are searching the terrain.
The description of the missing person includes the following characteristics: height 180 cm, brown hair, wearing a beige top and carrying a black backpack. According to Italian media, possible routes include the areas of Savodno, Dasile, Pianazzola, Daloo, and Lagunch.
Matthew's mother shared an emotional plea to local residents: "If you are around Chiavenna, please be alert. We just want him to return home." She emphasized the exceptional cooperation from Italian police and rescue services.
The British Foreign Office confirmed that they are working on the case and maintaining contact with local authorities. Initial information indicates that Matthew was supposed to return to England on July 12, but his fate currently remains unknown.
His friends have taken active search efforts, with Ben Lee personally speaking with the hotelier and police in the Gondorva area. They are extremely concerned and motivated to find their friend.
The case has caused serious public interest and concern among the local community in both Italy and the United Kingdom. The family continues to hope for Matthew's safe return, relying on all possible search channels.
The investigation continues, with authorities calling for any potential information that could help locate the missing British tourist.