France Kirk Handley, 60, climbing Pic du Glacier d'Arsine, French Alps. Supposed to finish Sep 10 2024. Car in parking lot.

[Snoopster]

Kirk Handley's family reported him missing on September 13 when he failed to return from his bid to scale the 11,000ft glacier summit of the Pic du Glacier d'Arsine in the French Alps, local media reports.

The 60-year-old from Yorkshire has not been heard from since September 7, but it is unclear why the search for Mr Handley was only launched now after his family sounded the alarm nearly two weeks ago.

Fears for Brit mountaineer, 60, missing for two weeks in French Alps

 

[Snoopster]

I presume he was hiking alone. Sadly.
So many of these situations involve solo hikers.

According to the DM link I posted above, he did leave a note in his rental vehicle about his hiking plans and timing. That's very helpful.

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 25, 2024

Search for missing British hiker, 60, underway in south-west France​

• Kirk Handley was holidaying in the Villar-d'Arène (Hautes-Alpes) area when he left on foot to travel towards the Col d'Arsine.
• He has not been heard from since Sep 7.
• His family back in Yorkshire in the UK where he lives declared his absence on Sep 13.
• However, local gendarmerie were not notified until Sep 22.
• He is said to be an adept mountaineer who had taken several mountain climbing holidays.
• Searches began on Monday, however they were hampered by poor weather conditions.
• Authorities found a note in his rented vehicle, which was left close to where he was staying in Villar-d'Arène, that he was planning to hike until Sep 10. They also found an outline of his itinerary in the vehicle.
• They have found some of his camping gear including a bivouac tent near the Neige Cordier.
• Searches will continue today, with the help of a local helicopter unit.
• Weather conditions have temporarily improved.

 

[truthfinder2019]

French authorities were called on Sunday when locals in the town of Villar-d'Arene, around 18 miles from Briancon, noticed that Mr Handley's rental car had not moved from its parking spot since the beginning of the month.
…
His last known location to investigators is Villar-d'Arène, from where 'he left on foot towards the Col d'Arsine, according to the high mountain gendarmerie platoon (PGHM) of Briancon.

On Monday, Mr Handley's bivouac site - a temporary shelter or camp for sleeping outside - was discovered at the Pic d'Arsine and near the Pic de Neige Cordier.

Fears for Brit mountaineer, 60, missing for two weeks in French Alps

Kirk Handley, 60, has not been heard from since September 7 and he was reported missing when he failed to return from his bid to scale the summit of the Pic du Glacier d'Arsine in the French Alps.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[truthfinder2019]

There are shelters in the area, I hope someone has seen him

 

[Snoopster]

Kirk's FB page:

Log into Facebook

Very few posts, but there are a few photos, all involving being in the mountains.
He worked at University of Leeds, where he studied geophysics.

 

[truthfinder2019]

No news, search and investigation continue

Kirk Handley, 60 ans, parti bivouaquer dans le secteur du col d’Arsine le 7 septembre dernier, demeure introuvable. L’enquête tout comme les recherches se poursuivent.

Hautes-Alpes. Disparition d’un randonneur britannique : les recherches se poursuivent

Kirk Handley, 60 ans, parti bivouaquer dans le secteur du col d’Arsine le 7 septembre dernier, demeure introuvable. L’enquête tout comme les ...

www.ledauphine.com

 

[truthfinder2019]

The search was made difficult by the adverse weather conditions last weel. They hope to be able to repeat air reconnaissance early next week, LE said on Friday, September 27. Still in this same identified area of the pass and the Arsine peak where the snow should have melted.

Hautes-Alpes. Disparition d’un randonneur britannique : les recherches se poursuivent

Kirk Handley, 60 ans, parti bivouaquer dans le secteur du col d’Arsine le 7 septembre dernier, demeure introuvable. L’enquête tout comme les ...

www.ledauphine.com

 

[truthfinder2019]

No news…

Kirk HANDLEY, 60 ans, disparu secteur Villar d'Arène/col d'Arsine (05) le 07 septembre 2024 | ARPD