The body of the 21-year-old German tourist Johann Williams who went missing a month ago while hiking near the Samaria Gorge in Cania region on the island of Crete has been found dead, local media reported on Friday.
The body of the man, identified as Johann Williams, was discovered on the western slopes of Mount Gingilo, near a location known among locals as “Mitato Tzatzimou,” which is considered hazardous even for experienced hikers.
It was a group of volunteers mountain climbers who found the body on Friday morning and immediately alerted the authorities. A recovery operation was expected to take place to retrieve his remains.
Williams had rented a car and departed from the port town of Cania toward the gorge on February 13. His disappearance was reported to the police by the car rental company’s owner after repeated failed attempts to contact him. KTG reported HERE.
The causes of his death remain unknown at this time, an autopsy is to determine them.
A few hours after the body of the German tourist was found, Thodoris Viglis of the climbers’ group expressed to state broadcaster ERT Chania the suspicion that the young man most probably overestimated his strength and did not take into account the adverse weather conditions.
Viglis had spotted “something red” while searching with binoculars the previous night. Next morning they set out to come close to that red item, which turned out to be the 21-year-old’s backpack
The body of Johann Williams was laying among stones in Poralia area, approximately 1,600 meters SE of Gigilo.
The sister of the deceased German tourist told ERT “We are relieved that at least we can have him back.,” she said, expressing gratitude for the help the family received in the efforts they themselves made to find their man.
. They are expected in Chania on Saturday to receive Johann’s body.
*thumbnail: zarpanews.gr
