An Australian trekker who vanished while navigating a remote South American hiking trail has been discovered dead, according to a statement from his family. Thirty-year-old Jordan Yap last communicated with loved ones on September 14 before embarking on an intended ten-day solo expedition through Peru's Huayhuash mountain range, situated roughly 400 kilometers north-east of Lima.
In a joint social media statement released on Saturday, his family and friends announced that they were deeply saddened to share that Jordan had been located and did not survive. They expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the search efforts, including relatives, friends, financial contributors, rescue squads, law enforcement agencies, and individuals who helped amplify the search across social media platforms. Loved ones asked that he be remembered as a vibrant individual who brought immense happiness to the lives of many.
The Melbourne resident was initially spotted near the start of the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit, a demanding, high-altitude route traversing the isolated Andes mountains. Despite being viewed by his family as an exceptionally experienced hiker, alarm was raised when he missed his anticipated return date, failed to check back into the Krusty hostel in Huaraz, and did not board a scheduled flight from Lima to Cusco.
Further compounding anxieties surrounding the journey, the enthusiastic trekker had misplaced a satellite communication beacon shortly before setting out on the 120-kilometer hike. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was approached for comment regarding the incident.