Desperate search for Brit hiker, 33, missing for five days in Italian Alps as last text he sent before vanishing is revealed
Matthew Hall, 33, has been missing for five days since he disappeared on July 9th while walking in the mountains of Valchiavenna.
An urgent search effort was launched when Mr Hall failed to show up for checkout at the local bed and breakfast where he was staying.
All attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful but his last communication has now been revealed.
On the day Mr Hall went missing he texted a friend to say he'd lost the trail and stopped to rest.
This is the last time anyone heard anything from the hiker.
The last known sighting was at the 'All Right' pub on July 7. The staff remember seeing him there, but have not seen him since.
Mr Hall, approximately 1.78 m tall with brown hair, had arrived in Chiavenna the on July 8, booking a stay at a B&B until July 11.
An urgent search effort was launched when Mr Hall failed to show up for checkout at the local bed and breakfast where he was staying
Upon his arrival, he asked for directions to hikes in the area, and the hosts suggested several high-altitude itineraries.
In the following days, although he never collected his breakfast, the hotel's owners weren't alarmed and simply assumed he'd left early for a walk.
But, on the 11th, when he hadn't returned for checkout, alarm bells started to ring.
The next day, they entered his room and found all his personal belongings and documents inside, but not his backpack. His phone was turned off.
The B&B owner contacted the police and a manhunt began.
The operation, which began on July 13th, is being coordinated by the Prefecture and involves the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza, and the Alpine Rescue team.
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