Missing Australian hiker Jordan Yap found dead in Peru's Andes

Jordan Yap, a 30-year-old Australian from Melbourne who went missing during a solo trek in the Peruvian Andes, has been found dead, according to a statement from his friends and family posted on social media on Saturday. He had last been in contact on 14 September, before setting out on a planned 10-day hike through the Huayhuash range. Relatives, search teams and police had been involved in looking for him.

The route

Yap was walking the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit, a mountain range about 400km north-east of Lima, Peru's capital. The route is regarded as a challenging, high-altitude trek through the remote Andes and runs for around 120km. He was last seen near the start of the trail. His family and friends considered him a very experienced hiker.

How the alarm was raised

Concern grew when he did not get in touch on his expected return date, did not check back into the Krusty hostel in Huaraz and missed a scheduled flight from Lima to Cusco. Worries were heightened by the fact that he had mislaid a satellite beacon he was travelling with a few days before beginning the hike.

Message from loved ones

In their post, relatives and friends said they were sorry to report with a heavy heart that Jordan had been found but had not survived. They thanked everyone who helped, including friends, family, search teams, police, the various groups they approached and those who shared appeals online. They asked people to remember him as a vibrant man who brought great joy to many.

The source says Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment. No cause of death was given.