The family of Melbourne man Jordan Yap has confirmed that the 30-year-old hiker, who vanished during a solo trek in the remote Peruvian Andes last month, has been found dead — bringing a tragic end to a weeks-long international search effort that drew widespread support from friends, family and the broader community.
In a statement posted to social media on Saturday, Yap's loved ones broke the devastating news: "With a heavy heart, we are sorry to tell you Jordan has been found, and he did not survive."
How Jordan Yap went missing in the Huayhuash mountains
Yap departed from his hostel in the town of Huaraz on September 14, setting out on a solo circuit of the Cordillera Huayhuash — one of Peru's most demanding and remote mountain ranges, renowned for its steep terrain and extreme altitudes. He had told friends and family he expected the trek to take around 10 days, and that he would be off the grid for the duration.
Alarm bells rang when Yap failed to check into a hotel on September 23 as planned, and subsequently missed a scheduled flight from Lima to Cusco the following day. His partner, Anita, raised the alert after he did not make contact as expected.
His best friend, Kevin Nguyen, had described Yap as someone who had been meticulously planning the Peru trip for almost a year. "Jordan is someone in the community that has always given his time to people, given his time to speak to anyone in need," Nguyen said. "I've been inseparable from him for almost 15 years now."
His body was ultimately located near the Mitucocha Lagoon area — a high-altitude lake sitting at approximately 4,270 metres above sea level in central Peru, roughly 200 kilometres north of Lima. Reports also indicate that his body was found near the remote village of Machaycancha in the northern section of the mountain range.
Family launched private search after struggling to reach authorities
After finding it difficult to engage Peruvian authorities directly, Yap's family took matters into their own hands, hiring local private mountain rescue organisation Socorro Andino Peruano to assist with the search. They also established a dedicated social media page to coordinate efforts and keep supporters updated, which attracted an outpouring of assistance from across Australia and beyond.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian national who had died in Peru, with a spokesperson extending condolences to those affected.
In their announcement of Yap's death, the family took care to express gratitude to the many people who had rallied behind their search: "We want to once again thank everyone who has helped — friends and family, the contributors, the search teams, the police, embassy, consulate, the many groups we engaged with who gave their time and all their effort, everyone who helped to share on social media. We are appreciative to all of you."
An experienced adventurer remembered for his spirit and generosity
Those who knew Yap have remembered him as an enthusiastic and experienced outdoorsman. His father, Vinh Dao, had previously described his son as a passionate hiker who dedicated much of his leisure time to the outdoors. "He's an avid outdoor person. In winter time, he will spend most weekends on the snowfield. Even though he didn't have a lot of luck with the weather, he loves hiking," Dao said.
Yap had solo hiked in several countries, including Australia, China, Turkey and Jordan, though the Peru trip was understood to be among his first extended solo international treks. The Huayhuash circuit is considered one of the most challenging mountain routes in all of South America, attracting experienced trekkers from around the world but demanding respect for its unforgiving conditions.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew him personally. "I'll think of you every time I pitch a tent, cook a particularly extravagant meal or have a boogie on the dance floor," one mourner wrote, capturing the warmth and vivacity friends associated with the young Melburnian.
In closing their statement, Yap's family made a simple but heartfelt request of all those who had followed his story: "Please continue to remember Jordan as the vibrant man he was, and for the immense joy he brought to so many people's lives."
Consular support under way as family prepares to grieve
With Australian consular officials now engaged to support the family through the process that follows a death overseas, attention turns to the painful task of bringing Yap home. The circumstances surrounding his death in the rugged high-altitude terrain have not been detailed by authorities at this stage.
Yap's passing is a sobering reminder of the risks that accompany solo trekking in some of the world's most remote and unforgiving mountain environments — even for those with considerable experience. His story resonated deeply with Australians who followed the search over the course of nearly three weeks, and the grief expressed online reflects the mark he left on all who knew him.
