The body of Alexander Harris, a 30-year-old British trekker from Birmingham, has been discovered in northern Pakistan following a search operation that involved hundreds of rescue personnel. Harris went missing on Saturday while descending from Musa Ka Musala, a 4,060-metre mountain in the Siran Valley of Mansehra district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to local officials, he is believed to have fallen into a deep ravine during the descent.
Harris had set out on the trek around 05:40 local time on Saturday with a hiking companion, British national Alun David Cooper Cledwyn. The pair reached the summit and took photographs before beginning their descent, but the two became separated during the journey down the mountain. Khalid Iqbal, the area's deputy commissioner, explained the circumstances of their separation:
"There was a difference in their speed. He [Harris] was moving faster, he got about 1-2km ahead. Then it started raining."
Harris, who also held Irish citizenship, had been living in Islamabad where he worked for Adam Smith International, a global advisory company. He was known as a keen hiker and trail runner, regularly participating in long-distance races across Pakistan. However, the two trekkers had not informed authorities about their planned ascent, despite being offered a guide and police security by their hotel.
The search and recovery operation was extensive, with approximately 200 people involved, including police officers and Rescue 1122 personnel, according to reports from Irish media outlets. The initial search effort was hampered by challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and poor visibility across the steep terrain. Rescue teams utilised drones to locate Harris, with the body eventually being found in a deep ravine in the Pracha area of Mansehra district, though recovery operations were still ongoing at the time of reporting.
According to Pakistani local reporting, rescue teams resumed their search efforts early on Tuesday after rain had disrupted the operation. The challenging conditions and difficult access to the ravine location meant that recovery work continued amid intermittent rainfall and poor visibility.
Local reports indicated that the two climbers had undertaken the ascent without obtaining a no-objection certificate from authorities, which is typically required for such expeditions. This oversight drew attention to the importance of proper planning and coordination with local officials when undertaking mountain treks in the region.
What the company and community said
Adam Smith International released a statement expressing their devastation at Harris's death, describing him as a "much loved member" of their team. The company highlighted his deep connection to Pakistan and its people:
"He cared deeply for Pakistan, its people, its nature, and learned Urdu during his time there."
The organisation also praised the collective effort that went into the search operation:
"We are deeply grateful to the hundreds of people who joined the search effort, including local residents, volunteers, police, rescue teams, forest department, members of Alex's trail running community, and the government of Pakistan that supported the operation. They searched tirelessly in difficult conditions, often in heavy rain, fog and poor visibility, over steep and challenging terrain."
Harris's running group, Margalla Trail Runners, posted a tribute on social media, calling him "a passionate trail runner". The group added:
"May his soul rest in peace and may his family and loved ones find strength and comfort during this difficult time."
What happens next
Authorities are expected to complete the recovery of Harris's body from the ravine and conclude the search and recovery operation following the drone confirmation of his location. Rescue teams are continuing their work to retrieve the body from the challenging terrain, with operations proceeding despite ongoing weather difficulties and limited access to the site.
Key Facts
- Alexander Harris, 30, from Birmingham, went missing on Saturday while descending Musa Ka Musala in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
- He was separated from his hiking companion after moving faster during the descent; rain then began to fall
- His body was located in a deep ravine in the Pracha area using drone technology, with recovery still underway
- The search involved approximately 200 rescue personnel including police and Rescue 1122 teams
- Harris had been working for Adam Smith International in Islamabad and was a regular participant in long-distance trail running races in Pakistan
