Search underway after University of Leeds staff member goes missing in the French Alps

A University of Leeds technician has gone missing during what was intended to be a three day hike in the French Alps.

Kirk Handley, 60, is a technical support officer for engineering, geology and geophysics in the school of earth and environment at the university.

His family reported his absence on the 13th September and the Gendarmerie des Hautes-Alpes (PGHM) of Briançon has been searching for him since the 22nd.

The Daily Mail reported that Kirk was last seen heading towards the Col d’Arsine in the Hautes-Alpes region of France and administrative division of Le Monêtier-les-Bains.

His rental car, which had been reported to authorities on Sunday, contained his hiking route and a note stating that he planned to return from his three day trip on the 10th September.

Kirk’s camping gear, including a bivouac tent, was also discovered by authorities at the Pic d’Arsine, near the Neige Cordier/Arsine mountain peaks.

After an unsuccessful attempt to search for Kirk on Tuesday last week, due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter search was postponed to the following day.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told the Daily Mail: “We are supporting the family of a British man who is missing in France and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Featured image via Facebook

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