British Hiker Vanishes During Italian Trek

Family ‘Wobbly’ But Hopeful as Search Continues in Lombardy Alps

A distraught mother is pleading for the safe return of her son, 33-year-old Matthew Hall, who disappeared while hiking solo in the Italian Alps. Hall, from Hull, was last heard from on July 9th in Chiavenna, Lombardy.

Last Known Movements

Matthew Hall, who had been staying at the B&B Ploncher hotel, embarked on what was expected to be an eight-hour trek. He was last seen wearing a beige top and carrying a black backpack. His mother, Sara Foster, revealed that her son sent a selfie at approximately 14:30 local time (13:30 BST) on July 9th, before he went missing. He had also shared a photograph of a cross at Alpe Daloo, near San Giacomo Filippo, on the same day.

“I’m very wobbly at the moment, obviously, but I’m really trying to stay positive,” said Sara Foster, adding, “We just want him to come home.”

Italian media reports suggest **Hall** may have headed towards Savogno or Dasile, starting from Borgonuovo, or alternatively towards Pianazzola, Daloo, or Lagunch, originating from Chiavenna.

Official Response and Family Concerns

A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed their support for the family, stating, “We are supporting the family of a British man missing in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.” Ms Foster expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Italian police and rescue teams, noting how impressed she was with their communication.

Matthew Hall, described as a keen hiker and a fan of Hull KR rugby league, began his trip on July 5th and was scheduled to fly back to Manchester from Milan on July 12th. His mother confirmed he lived locally with his cat, Betty.

Search Efforts Intensify

Search operations are actively underway in the mountainous terrain. The UK Embassy in Rome has been approached for further information regarding the ongoing efforts to locate Mr Hall.

In the UK, mountain rescue teams often face challenging conditions. For example, in 2023, the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association reported a significant increase in call-outs, highlighting the risks involved in outdoor activities (Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association). Officials are urging anyone who may have seen Mr Hall in the Chiavenna area to come forward.