Man’s body is found in the search for missing student, 26, who disappeared while hiking on Ben Nevis
- Zekun Zhang disappeared amid worsening weather conditions on Tuesday
- Police say there are ‘no suspicious circumstances’ and his family are aware
The body of a man has been found in the search for a 26-year-old student who went missing while hiking up Ben Nevis.
Zekun Zhang, from London, had been with two other companions before he disappeared on the UK’s highest mountain on Tuesday.
But with fresh snow falling as low as 500m, his two friends turned back as Mr Zhang decided to press on.
His family have been informed of today’s discovery, Police Scotland said.
A spokesperson said: ‘Around 3.30pm on Thursday, 13 April, 2023 the body of a man was discovered on Ben Nevis.
A body has been found on Ben Nevis in the search for 26-year-old Zekun Zhang, who went missing on Tuesday
Climbing conditions deteriorated rapidly on Ben Nevis (pictured) on the night of his disappearance with snow and freezing temperatures
‘Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of missing 26-year-old Zekun Zhang, has been made aware.
‘There are no apparent suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.’
Inspector Ross McCartney added: ‘I would like to thank all mountain rescue teams (MRTs) that assisted with the search.’
Mr Zhang was last seen around 1pm near the summit of Carn Mor Dearg, and is believed to have walked a route from there to the 4413ft Ben Nevis summit.
He had planned to return to the North Face car park, but did not return.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team had 12 members searching for him on Wednesday – joined by six members of a police MRT.
The police and a RAF MRT continued the search today.
‘He was with two others, who decided to turn back, but he continued on,’ said Donald Paterson, leader of Lochaber MRT.
‘There has been fresh snow down to 500 metres and the conditions deteriorated. To be out overnight in those conditions would be very challenging.
‘In fact the wind chill would have plunged the temperature to minus 8C. He was not well equipped to survive those conditions. He was basically wearing what he was pictured in.
‘We re-traced his whole route on Thursday without any sign of him and there has been fresh snow.’
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