Body of Virginia teacher missing in Peru Andes located after month-long search
The remains of 29-year-old Ian Treger, a teacher from Lexington, Virginia, were found near a trail in the Peruvian Andes a month after he disappeared during a hiking trip.
The body of Ian Treger, a 29-year-old teacher from Lexington, Virginia, was discovered near a trail in the Andes mountains of Peru more than a month after he went missing. Treger vanished in the city of Cusco on May 13 while on a 10-day hiking itinerary that began on May 11.
"It is with profound sadness that we share that Ian’s body has been found in Peru," the family posted on a fundraising page.
Local police indicated the death was the result of a hiking accident and that Treger was alone at the time. Authorities have not identified any foul play, noting that his backpack, camera equipment, wallet and iPhone were found near the body and none of the items appeared to be stolen. The investigation remains ongoing.
Treger, described by acquaintances as an experienced high-altitude hiker, was last heard from on May 13 in Cusco. Surveillance footage captured him leaving his Airbnb that day. A body in an advanced state of decomposition, matching his description, was located beside a small stream on June 30, according to the High Mountain Police.
His mother, Michelle Ludwig, said a local shepherd found the remains. She expressed uncertainty about how the accident occurred, noting her son's familiarity with similar trails. Ludwig traveled to Peru to cooperate with police and the U.S. embassy, and a fundraiser was established to support the search efforts.
