A man from Virginia, Ian Traeger, who vanished while hiking in Peru’s Andes, has been out of contact for over a month, leading to a significant search operation in the challenging terrain, as shared by his family.
Traeger, 29, from Lexington, last connected with his family on May 13 while he was in Cusco, Peru. His mother, Michelle Ludwig, shared this on a GoFundMe page.
According to a family friend, Donna Welch, Traeger arrived on May 11 for a planned 10-day visit, staying at an Airbnb between strenuous hikes on particularly perilous trails, as he mentioned to WDBJ.
Welch noted that the last sighting of Traeger was captured on surveillance footage as he left the Airbnb.
He was reported missing following an official missing persons report issued by the Peruvian National Police on June 2.
Investigators have struggled to pinpoint Traeger’s location, as it remains uncertain if he explored multiple hiking trails, as reported.
Authorities in the Cusco area have initiated various search efforts, which included aerial searches and ground teams from the Alpine Rescue Service, according to the Peruvian National Press Agency Andina.
The search became more complicated when Traeger’s cell phone stopped working, adding to the difficulties for local law enforcement.
A police spokesperson stated, “We’re lacking reliable information on his whereabouts. This makes our job tougher.” They expressed frustration at losing the cell signal suddenly, which hindered attempts to track him via his phone.
Peruvian search efforts have reportedly focused on two main areas in southern Peru: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
Described as 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build, Traeger has a tattoo depicting two fish on his right calf.
His mother has requested financial help for the expensive search and rescue operations, emphasizing the vastness and hazards of the region.
At a recent fundraiser, she shared a map illustrating immense areas filled with “dangerous slopes” and “dangerous valleys.”
Additionally, authorities retrieved Traeger’s laptop from the Airbnb, hoping it might shed light on his situation.
Ms. Ludwig expressed her fears, stating that anyone who knew Ian would remember his humor, zest for life, and his bright smile and blue eyes.
In the weeks following her son’s disappearance, Ludwig traveled to Peru and is collaborating with the U.S. embassy in the search efforts.
A State Department representative informed WDBJ that the U.S. embassy in Peru is actively involved since Traeger was reported missing but referred further inquiries to local law enforcement.
Concerns remain high among family and friends, with Welch stating, “We just love Ian and are very worried about what happened. It’s unusual for him to lose contact like this, and it has us all really anxious.”
