The skeletal remains of a German hiker, missing for nearly three decades, have been found in Switzerland's Valais Alps, bringing a tragic end to a decades-old mystery.
Authorities confirmed the discovery near the popular resort of Zermatt, where the 38-year-old man vanished during a solo hiking trip in September 1991. The grim find was made by another mountaineer last week at an altitude of 2,800 metres on the Theodul Glacier.
Ice Preserved Clues to Identity
Investigators revealed that the body was remarkably well-preserved by glacial ice, allowing for relatively quick identification. Personal items found with the remains helped confirm the man's identity through police records of missing persons.
Forensic experts believe the hiker likely fell into a crevasse shortly after disappearing, with his body becoming encased in ice until recent glacial melting exposed it.
Family Finally Gets Closure
Swiss police have notified the man's surviving relatives in Germany, who had never given up hope of learning his fate. While the discovery brings painful memories, family members expressed gratitude for finally having answers.
"After all these years, we can properly mourn," a family representative told local media.
Climate Change Revealing More Secrets
This discovery follows several similar cases in recent years as Alpine glaciers retreat due to rising temperatures. Just last year, the remains of a couple missing since 1942 were found in Switzerland.
Glaciologists warn that as climate change accelerates, more long-lost mountaineers may emerge from their icy graves across the Alps.
