Police agencies across Europe are helping in the search for a Brandon man who disappeared while hiking across the Alps.
Jeff Freiheit, 32, was last heard from on Aug. 1 after stopping in the south-German community of Bad Tolz. He was travelling alone from Munich to Venice, following a strict itinerary.
“He had pre-reserved the huts he was supposed to be staying at,” said Jeff’s wife Selena. “I started out by calling the huts he was supposed to be at because I hadn’t heard from him.”
“They told me he had a reservation but hadn’t showed up.”
The expedition Jeff was on is described as a popular route that the average hiker can accomplish. His wife said he was trying to accomplish the journey in three fewer days than suggested.
Selena called Jeff an avid hiker, having climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu and Everest’s base camp in the past.
“He’s done a lot of (hikes) periodically,” said Selena. “It’s not like it’s something he does in an average monthly basis but he definitely has the spirit and knack for being adventurous. He’s very athletic and likes to be outdoors.”
Jeff wasn’t expected to return to Manitoba until the end of August.