Remains of Missing Belgian Hiker Possibly Found in Albania After Two Years

After nearly two years of searching, there is a strong possibility that the remains of Mark Joris, a 72-year-old hiker from Mortsel, Belgium, have been found in Albania. Joris vanished in September 2024 during a trek on the High Scardus Trail, a route that spans the border region of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. His trail went cold on September 15, during the final leg of his journey. Last Saturday, North Macedonian border police, during a separate search operation, discovered human remains and personal effects on a steep mountainside near the border. Among the findings were his backpack, tent, sleeping bag, a hiking boot, a cap, and two mobile phones. While DNA analysis is still underway, family members and reliable sources indicate it is almost certain the remains belong to Joris. One of the mobile phones, identified by its unique IMEI number, has been confirmed to belong to the missing hiker. Joris, a retired trombonist for the Brussels Philharmonic and a passionate mountaineer, had embarked on the trek from Peshkopi, Albania. Following his disappearance, extensive search efforts were undertaken by local emergency services, and his family and friends also traveled to Albania to aid in the search, coming close to the location where he was eventually found.