Work colleagues of Matthew Hall who went missing in Italy have paid tribute to their ‘much loved’ team mate following the tragic discovery of a body.
Matthew Hall, 33, from Hull, disappeared in the Chiavenna area of the Italian Alps, after sending a text message to a friend saying he had lost the trail and stopped to rest. The alarm was officially raised on July 12 after he failed to check out of his B&B accommodation, triggering a huge search and rescue operation involving four teams of people, helicopters, a drone and support search by his friends who flew out to help.
As well as a group of Matthew’s closest friends, a team of five work colleagues from broadband provider Quickline Communications, based in Hull, also travelled to Italy to join the search.
Tragically, search teams found a body on Wednesday evening in a steep gully beneath the Cross of Daloo, a mountain viewpoint above Chiavenna. News of the discovery was broken to his friends as they were searching a different area, and as his mother Sara Foster was due to arrive in Italy.
Now, as his heartbroken friends prepare to travel home, the technical engineer’s employer issued a short statement.
A spokeswoman for Quickline said: “We are devastated to learn that our colleague Matt, who was reported missing while on holiday in Italy, has sadly been found dead. Matt was a much-loved and respected member of the Quickline team, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
(Image: Facebook)
Earlier this week, when Matthew’s Quickline colleagues flew out to Italy to join the search and rescue efforts, a team member set up a Go Fund Me fundraiser with a view to offering money to support the search teams, as and when they might have needed financial support.
However, following the tragic end to the week-long search, the fundraiser has decided that the proceeds should now go to Matthew’s mother, Sara Foster, to use as she needs. Following that decision, the total on the GoFundMe page has jumped by several thousand pounds, and now stands at £11,294 donated by almost 400 people, including one anonymous donor who has given £1,000 to the cause.
The GoFundMe fundraiser says: “Following the devastating news of Matt’s death, and after careful consultation with friends and colleagues in Italy, we have agreed that all funds raised through this campaign will now be passed directly to Matt’s mum, Sara, to support her during this incredibly difficult time.
“While this is a change from the fundraiser’s original purpose, we feel this is the right and respectful thing to do in light of recent events. If anyone who has donated would prefer to request a refund, we completely understand. Refunds will be handled in confidence and without any judgment.
“Thank you again for your generosity and support. It has meant a great deal to all those who cared for Matt.”
Meanwhile, Hull Kingston Rovers have also issued a statement, saying: “ Hull KR are saddened to learn of Matthew Hall’s passing last night. A true Robin, the club sends its deepest condolences to Matt’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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