A body believed to be that of a missing hiker has been found on Table Mountain after he sent his family a final photograph and location from the trail.
Wayne Barnard, 46, disappeared while hiking alone on the mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday (16 Sep).
Members of the South African Police Service and Wilderness Search and Rescue discovered the body of an adult man on Thursday (17 Sep).
READ MORE: Hiker’s final message before vanishing on 3,100-mile trek – later found dead
A friend of the family announced that Wayne had been found but had died and confirmed that the search had ended, as reported by Need To Know.
The statement said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the devastating news that Wayne has been found, but sadly, he has passed away.
“The search has now officially been called off.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has been involved in the search, offered assistance, shared information, and kept Wayne and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
“Your kindness, support and tireless efforts have meant more than words can express.
“Our hearts are absolutely broken for Lauren, their family, and everyone who knew and loved Wayne.
“We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult time as they come to terms with this devastating loss and begin to grieve.”
Police said the body was believed to be Wayne, although formal identification by his family was still under way.
An inquest has been registered and a postmortem will be conducted to establish the cause of death.
A missing person’s case was opened at Cape Town Central police station after Wayne became unreachable during his solo hike.
He last contacted his wife, Lauren, at approximately 11.05am on Wednesday, when he shared his location and a photograph taken on Table Mountain.
His phone was subsequently switched off or became unreachable.
Police and Wilderness Search and Rescue teams were activated, with SANParks Emergency Services also involved in the search.
Teams continued looking for Wayne amid what his wife described as “incredibly difficult” conditions and gale-force winds overnight.
Before the discovery, Lauren made an emotional public appeal for her husband to be brought home safely.
He leaves behind a wife and two children, Madi and Matthew.
An appeal described Wayne as approximately 6ft 3in tall, weighing around 14 stone and having brown and grey hair.
He was reportedly wearing a khaki-green O’Neill puffer jacket, bottle-green cargo trousers and black trainers when he disappeared.
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