# Discovery of missing Belgian hikers in Swiss glacier

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-missing-belgian-hikers-in-swiss-glacier
> Updated: 2026-08-21T20:52:15.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 3.

The melting of the Trift Glacier in the Swiss canton of Valais has led to the discovery of the remains of two Belgian hikers who disappeared in 1992.

The individuals went missing on September 4, 1992, after departing from the Weissmieshütte refuge to climb the 4,017-meter Weissmies summit. While a backpack was recovered during search efforts decades ago, the climbers remained missing until a hiker discovered their remains near the Saas-Grund commune on July 26.

Following the initial discovery of identification documents, DNA analysis conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Hospital of Valais in Sion has formally identified the men, who were aged 39 and 41 at the time of their disappearance. Reports indicate the climbers were likely caught in extreme weather conditions during their attempt to summit the Weissmies peak.

Authorities noted that retreating glaciers, driven by climate change, are increasingly exposing the remains of individuals lost in the mountains decades ago. Officials warned that further ice recession may reveal other long-lost remains, noting that the Valais police maintain a registry of missing persons dating back to 1925. Similar instances of glacier-related discoveries have been noted recently, such as the 2023 recovery of a German hiker on the Theodul Glacier and the 1994 recovery of a Swiss mountaineer.

## Claims

- The Valais Cantonal Police confirmed the identities of the two climbers via DNA analysis. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The bodies were discovered on July 26 by a hiker on the Trift Glacier. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The two missing climbers were Belgian nationals aged 39 and 41. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Glacial melting has revealed the remains of individuals missing for several decades. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The climbers disappeared in September 1992 while attempting to climb Weissmies. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Climbers' remains found on Broad Peak and Swiss glaciers

The remains of American climber Mallory Geis were found on Broad Peak following a fatal avalanche in Pakistan, while melting Swiss glaciers revealed remains linked to a 1992 disappearance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/climbers-remains-found-on-broad-peak-and-swiss-glaciers

### 2026-08-18: Swiss Alps glacier melt reveals bodies of Belgian hikers missing since 1992

Melting glaciers in the Swiss Alps have revealed the remains of two Belgian hikers who went missing in the Weissmies region in 1992. DNA testing confirmed their identities.

35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trift-glacier-melting-reveals-remains-of-belgian-climbers-missing-since-1992

### 2026-08-13: Swiss glacier melting reveals bodies of Belgian hikers missing since 1992

The bodies of two Belgian hikers missing since 1992 were discovered on Switzerland's Trift Glacier due to melting ice. DNA testing is underway to confirm their identities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swiss-glacier-melting-reveals-bodies-of-belgian-hikers-missing-since-1992

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Cite as: Discovery of missing Belgian hikers in Swiss glacier. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-missing-belgian-hikers-in-swiss-glacier