Albert Calibet, a retired sheriff’s deputy from Los Angeles County at the age of 59, has disappeared while hiking on the picturesque island of Amorgos in Greece, amidst soaring temperatures.
Known for his passion for hiking and as a frequent visitor to Amorgos, Calibet embarked on his solo hike on Tuesday after a brief conversation with his girlfriend, Debbie Leshane. He shared a photo of the trailhead around 9:30 a.m. local time, but since then, there has been no communication from him.
Amorgos, nestled in the Cyclades islands, boasts rugged landscapes and a sparse population. Despite Calibet’s familiarity with the hiking trail, he vanished after stopping at a store in the village of Aegiali to purchase supplies.
Greek authorities speculate that Calibet may have succumbed to dizziness and collapsed due to the blistering heat, which soared to nearly 113 degrees Fahrenheit across the region. The search for him has intensified, with international agencies joining forces to locate him.
Calibet’s disappearance compounds a series of missing tourist cases in Greece, including the tragic death of British TV anchor Dr. Michael Mosley and the recent discovery of a deceased 74-year-old Dutch tourist.
Authorities, led by LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, are actively engaged in the search, employing all available resources to find Calibet and ensure his safe return to his family and friends amidst mounting concerns about hiking in extreme temperatures.