mysterious 🤔

On July 9, 33-year-old Matthew Hall from Hull, UK, set out for what was meant to be an exhilarating solo hike in the breathtaking Italian Alps. Known for his love of trails and adventure, Matthew was described as "relaxed" and in high spirits, sending a cheerful selfie to friends at around 14:30 local time from the stunning landscapes near Chiavenna, Lombardy. But what began as a routine trek has turned into a heart-wrenching mystery, with Matthew now missing for over a week, sparking an urgent search effort and a wave of support from loved ones and strangers alike. 😔

Matthew, an avid hiker and Hull KR rugby league fan, had been staying at the cozy B&B Ploncher in Chiavenna, a charming town nestled in the Valchiavenna region near the Swiss border. On the morning of his disappearance, he sought advice from the hotel staff about scenic hiking routes, eager to explore the rugged beauty of the Alps. Armed with his black backpack and dressed in a beige top, he embarked on what was believed to be an eight-hour trek, possibly toward Savogno, Dasile, Pianazzola, Daloo, or Lagunch. 🗻

His last communication was a chilling text to a friend: “I lost the path and stopped to rest.” 📱 This haunting message, sent around 1:20 PM on July 9, hinted that Matthew may have veered off course in the vast, unforgiving terrain. He was due to fly back to Manchester from Milan on July 12 but never boarded his flight, raising alarm bells among his family and friends. When hotel staff noticed he hadn’t checked out and found his belongings—including his documents and phone, which had been off for days—they alerted authorities, launching a full-scale search operation. 🚨

Matthew’s mother, Sara Foster, 62, is enduring what she calls a “nightmare” back in Hull, where she lives just around the corner from her son and his beloved cat, Betty. Despite her anguish, Sara remains hopeful, praising the Italian police, Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza, and Alpine Rescue teams for their tireless efforts. “I’m very wobbly at the moment, obviously, but I’m really trying to stay positive,” she told the BBC. “We just want him to come home.” 🙏 Sara has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, noting that Matthew’s friends and even his employer, Quickline Communications, have stepped up in remarkable ways.

A group of Matthew’s close friends, including his mate Ben Lee, have flown to Chiavenna to join the search, combing the trails alongside professional rescuers. Quickline Communications is sending six staff members to assist, while social media appeals have rallied strangers to keep an eye out in the Chiavenna area. “I didn’t know all his friends, but I do now,” Sara said, touched by the community’s response. “The way they’ve leapt into action has been unbelievable.” 💪

The search is no small feat. The Italian Alps are as treacherous as they are beautiful, with rugged cliffs, unpredictable weather, and vast expanses of wilderness. Four mountain rescue teams and three helicopters are scouring the area, focusing on routes Matthew might have taken based on his last known location—a photo he sent of a cross at Alpe Daloo, near San Giacomo Filippo. The image, shared with friends, is now a critical clue as rescuers analyze its surroundings to pinpoint his path. 🕵️‍♂️

Italian media reports suggest Matthew, standing at 5’8” with brown hair and a medium build, may have taken a wrong turn around 1 PM on July 9. Despite the challenges, the coordinated efforts of local authorities and volunteers continue to fuel hope. The UK Foreign Office is also supporting the family, staying in close contact with Italian officials. “We just need to find him and bring him home to safety,” Sara pleaded. 🌟

As the search presses on, Matthew’s story has touched hearts far beyond Hull. His love for adventure, his vibrant spirit, and the community rallying around him serve as a reminder of the strength found in unity during times of uncertainty. For now, all eyes are on the Alps, hoping for a miracle to bring Matthew home. 🏔️