Harry Greaves: Missing Shropshire tourist found dead in Peru

Harry, from Bronygarth, near Oswestry, was last seen on April 7 when he set out on a solo mountain hike, two days before his 29th birthday.

The experienced outdoorsman was expected back three days later but did not return. His body was found by police and volunteers in a 40-metre crevasse on Tuesday.

His family described him as "one of the most loveliest men you could ever wish to meet" and said he was an "extremely genuine and caring person".

"Our dearest Harry has been found," they said in a statement.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that his smile will no longer give such light, he will no longer give calm through his touch, and wisdom through his words.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped us find our beloved Harry. His spirit will always be with us. From his loving family."

Harry flew to Peru on February 20 and was visiting friends in Pisac, near Coscou.

His friends and family, assisted by the Lucie Blackman Trust, had launched a search of the area by land and helicopter in a bid to find him.

The British Foreign Office confirmed the death and said: "Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time and our Embassy staff are continuing to support them."

Hopes had been raised after a further sighting of Harry was reported to have been made by a local. A tent similar to his was also found in the Kinsa Kocha area on Monday.

More than £33,000 had been raised to help find the former Rhyn Park School pupil through a crowdfunding appeal.

Earlier yesterday it emerged Harry's family had hired two professional mountain rescue guides and 40 local people to aid the search.

Hopes had been raised yesterday morning after a further sighting of Harry was reported to have been made by a local. A tent similar to his was also found in the Kinsa Kocha area on Monday.

A helicopter was also hired by Harry's sister Ellen to search for him for several hours on Sunday.

His mother Sarah and cousin Lucy flew to Peru to help co-ordinate the search along with Harry's friends Ollie Boon and Stefanie Jackson, who he had been staying with.

Other friends of Harry's from across the world also made efforts to help from thousands of miles away – including one who phoned all the hotels in the area of Peru where the search was taking place.

Harry's father Simon had previously said: "Harry has some absolutely brilliant mates, there is a lot of love for him."

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas also pressed the family's case with the British Embassy to support the search.

Harry made furniture in the Oswestry area for his own company Marcher Furniture and also Wrexham company Silverlining Furniture.

The Pisac area is popular with tourists and backpackers.

Travel companies advise visitors to stay in groups when venturing into the Peruvian forest or into the mountains.

Friends of Harry said he had wanted to travel alone into the mountains and said he would be back within a couple of days.

They raised the alarm when he did not return as planned.

The friends Harry had travelled to meet in Peru split into groups to join the search for him. It is believed his body was found by one of the professional guides hired by the family because of their knowledge of the mountains.