Missing Person Alert, calling trekkers and Sherpas on Everest South: Have you seen Gareth?!
May 28, 2004 21: 50 EST
We ran this call aready March 29, but Gareth is still missing. Needless to say, his parents are devastated. Please anyone; Trekking agency, returning climber, trekker, Sherpa or porter in the Everest South region - if you have any information, contact Gareth's family.
Gareth David Koch, 25 (born April 18, 1979) is British citizien with Passport No. 021038346.
The last reported sighting of Gareth was at about 13.00 hours on Sunday 7th March 04 at Chhukung by a Dutch lady and her boyfriend. He was well and not in distress nor did he give any indication that he would not be returning to the UK as planned. He gave the indication that he would be heading for Namche Bazaar.
Gareth and a work colleague (this was someone who had been before and knew the region) departed the UK on Friday 20th February 04 and they arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday 21st February 04. "The only contact that we have had was from a post card and an e-mail dated 22nd February 04 telling us that they would be flying to LUKLA at 0700 on the 23rd February."
The plan was to spend the four week period in and around the SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK, EVEREST BASE CAMP area including NAMCHE BAZAAR and then return to the UK on Saturday 20th March 04, this he has failed to do.
There seems to be no obvious reason why Gareth has not returned. He is an experienced trekker and climber but is not well travelled as most of his experience has been gained in the UK.
There have been no reported sightings of Gareth since Sunday 7th March despite an extensive search and the distribution of hundreds of missing person leaflets which has been undertaken by the British Embassy in Kathmandu.
His parents David & Gill and his brother, Adam are becoming increasingly concerned about his safety.
Gareth is of slight build, weights about 65Kgs and is approx 5’ 9” tall. He has light brown hair with hazel eyes. His hair will be longer than in the photographs and he has now possibly grown a beard.
He has no distinguishing features, but is extremely quiet with an easy going manner and a non-descript English accent.
He was last seen wearing a purple down body warmer and light brown trekking trousers.
If you have any information or advice then please contact Gareth’s family at daviko@ntlworld.com or direct to the British Embassy in Kathmandu on 4410583.
Images of the missing Gareth David Koch, 25, courtesy of his family.
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