A tragic search for a missing Australian trekker in Peru has come to a devastating end, with family members confirming that 30-year-old Jordan Yap has been found dead.
The Melbourne man had been the subject of an urgent search operation after he vanished during a solo expedition in the rugged Andes mountains. Yap, an experienced hiker, had set out on 14 September to complete the Huayhuash circuit—a remote, 120km high-altitude trek located approximately 400km north-east of Lima.
In a heartbreaking statement posted to social media on Saturday, Yap’s family and friends shared the news of his death. “With a heavy heart we are sorry to tell you Jordan has been found, and he did not survive,” the statement read. “Please remember Jordan as the vibrant man he was, and for the immense joy he brought to so many people’s lives.”
The family expressed deep gratitude toward the international search teams, local authorities, and the members of the public who assisted in the widespread effort to locate him. “We want to thank everyone who has helped; friends and family, the contributors, the search teams, the police, the many groups we engaged with who gave their time and effort,” the statement added.
Concerns for Yap’s safety began to mount when he failed to make contact with loved ones on his scheduled return date. His disappearance was further validated when he failed to check back into the Krusty hostel in Huaraz, the town from which many adventurers launch their climbs into the Cordillera Huayhuash, and subsequently missed a connecting flight from Lima to Cusco.
Adding to the anxiety of his family was the revelation that the seasoned trekker had misplaced his satellite beacon just days before departing on the trek. Without the device, his movements could not be tracked through the notoriously challenging and often treacherous terrain of the Andes, which is known for its unpredictable weather and punishing altitudes.
While the Huayhuash range is regarded as a world-class destination for hikers, it is also considered a highly demanding environment that requires significant preparation. Friends of the Melburnian had initially remained hopeful given his extensive background as an avid trekker, describing him as someone well-versed in mountain travel.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has been contacted for comment regarding the incident. As the news of his passing spreads, tributes are flowing for the man remembered by those closest to him for his vibrant spirit and the joy he shared with others.
The investigation into the circumstances of his death is expected to continue through local authorities in Peru. For now, his family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
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