Missing Person Alert: Have you seen Gareth?!
Jun 2, 2004 15: 11 EST
We ran this call aready back in late March, but Gareth is still missing. After running the story last Friday Gareth's family received a number of responses from people who remember Gareth after reading the article.
Needless to say, his parents are devastated but still hopefull. Please anyone; Trekking agency, returning climber, trekker, Sherpa or porter in the Everest South region - if you have any information, contact Gareth's family.
Here is the newest information supplied by trekkers in the region:
"We just saw the Missing Person Alert on www.mounteverest.net. We are a trekking group and were in a lodge in Chukhung from 7th March to 11th March.
When we arrived in the lodge at about 5 p.m. your son was already in the lodge and had his dinner with us.
He was alone and was reading a book in his blue down jacket.
We asked him, where he spent the day, and he said, that he had just visited Island Peak Base Camp.
He had no special plans for the next days, but he said, that he would descend after spending the night in this lodge in Chukhung. We don't exactly know where he went, but we think he said "Dingboche".
In the morning of 8th March we had our breakfast together with [Gareth] and saw him descend in the direction of Dingboche."
Gareth David Koch, 25 (born April 18, 1979) is British citizien with Passport No. 021038346.
The last reported sighting of Gareth was at Chhukung at 0900 on the 8th March by a German couple who say that Gareth was on his way down to Dingbouche.
He was well and not in distress nor did he give any indication that he would not be returning to the UK as planned.
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.
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 blue 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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