Ian Treger, 29, has been found dead in Peru, according to a statement from his family.
Treger, who grew up in Effinger and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2020, had been missing in Peru since May 13.
"Ian loved discovering new countries through their songs and traditions as much as their landscapes," Treger's family said in the statement. "Through all of it, he kept the same quick wit and easy smile that could turn any moment lighter, and that made him so loved by everyone who knew him."
Michelle Ludwig, Treger's mother, said he was an experienced hiker.
Treger had been traveling throughout South America and teaching English classes. He decided to visit Peru after he finished teaching at Ecuador's Galápagos Language Academy in late April.
Before he went missing, he told Ludwig he was planning to hike to Choquequirao Archaeological Park. She expected him to finish the hike on around May 20 but said it wasn't alarming at first when she didn't hear from him.
"I wasn't too worried because he changes his plans a lot," she told the News-Gazette in an interview last month.
Ludwig reported her son missing on about May 26.
In last month's interview with the News-Gazette, Ludwig said Treger may have decided to hike Ausangate Mountain instead of Choquequirao. The family's statement does not say where Treger's body was found.
Two divisions of the Peruvian national police, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Lima and private guides hired by Ludwig, helped with the search. In the press statement, Treger's family said they “want to extend our deepest gratitude to the U.S. and Peruvian authorities who worked tirelessly on this search, as well as to the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and compassion in the effort to bring Ian home."
Treger is the son of Ludwig and Neil Treger, a 1979 Washington and Lee graduate. His family has requested privacy and time to grieve.
"Our hearts are broken, and we are still absorbing this devastating loss," they said.
