Rescue crews have tragically discovered the body of a British hiker entombed in the snow of the Italian Alps, while continuing their search for his friend who has been unaccounted for since January 1. According to reports from AP News, Italy’s Alpine rescue service was alerted on January 6, after the men failed to make their scheduled flight home, prompting concerned relatives to contact authorities.

The initial days of the search efforts faced significant delays due to unfavorable weather, including snowfall, fog, and avalanche warnings. However, on Wednesday, efforts resumed with a helicopter deployment as ground teams located the last known positions of the hikers. By utilizing phone recordings and other technological aids, officials discovered the hikers' backpacks and equipment along with the body of one of the men, originally identified as Aziz Ziriat, 36 (as reported by CNN).

Relatives have described Ziriat and his companion, Sam Harris, 35, as seasoned hikers who had planned an adventurous New Year’s Day journey through the rugged terrain. “It wasn’t surprising that they had no signal as they like going off the grid,” remarked a close friend, demonstrating their passion for outdoor exploration.

Despite challenges, rescue teams remain committed, with efforts temporarily suspended due to perilous avalanche conditions. The Adamello range, where the men were hiking, encompasses the highest peak in the region, Mt. Adamello, reaching elevations of 3,539 meters (11,611 feet).

The ongoing search emphasizes the risks associated with winter hiking and the critical importance of safety precautions in mountainous regions.