Teen split off from family on hike then sent tragic text before being found dead

A teenager out for what was set to be a pleasant family hike was found deadafter a heartbreaking wrong turn left him lost.

Liam Daniel Henry Rézac had set off on the walk along with his parents and brother on Tuesday, July 22,in the Italian Alps near Aosta, but when his family decided to stop for a break, he decided to continue the ascent alone, wanting to complete the 2,800m summit.

But once the 15-year-old reached a fork in the path, it seems as though he took a wrong turn, getting caught in some dense undergrowth and starting where he soon became lost. At 6.38pm he sent a message and his location to his parents saying: “I’m lost, I’ll try to find another way.”

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Sadly, that was the last time Liam was heard from, and with his parents increasingly concerned, they made the call to emergency services, who soon launched a full-scale search of the mountain.

André Chaussod of the Aosta fire brigade told local media on Wednesday: “It was around 8 p.m. when the alarm was raised. The rescue operation was launched immediately, involving 11 firefighters, along with volunteers, drones, and sniffer dogs.

“The mayor of Valpelline and five members of the Guardia di Finanza mountain rescue team also took part. Searches continued without interruption through the night. This morning, the boy’s body was spotted during a civil protection helicopter flyover.”

When light broke in the morning, Liam's body was found in a ravine just off the Becca di Viou mountain trail that he had set off on.

NeedToKnow is reporting that the teenager slipped and fell down the hidden chasm shortly after sending the message to his mum and dad, and likely died instantly due to the severity of his injuries and the nature of his fall.

The family had been holidaying in the area, having arrived just a couple of days earlier from Erbrée in Brittany, France.

Rescuers have pointed out that the boy was only wearing trainers and not proper footwear for the difficult and demanding hike. The Guardia di Finanza’s alpine rescue unit is now investigating the incident.

Scottish Mountain Rescue suggests a few steps to try and stay safe while out hiking on trails and mountains. They suggest wearing some solid hiking boots: "Well-fitting, suitable for the terrain you will walk on and the activity you plan to do. Gaiters may be beneficial for areas that are particularly boggy or where ticks may be present."

They add: "Always, always have a map and compass and know how to use them. Smartphones or GPS are excellent navigation aids, but should not be relied on solely. Make sure you have the right map for the area you are walking in and check that your compass is working each time before you set off."