DNA identifies Belgian mountaineers missing since 1992

Human remains found on the Trift Glacier have been identified as two Belgian mountaineers who had been missing since 1992, Swiss broadcaster SRF reported. A hiker discovered the remains, exposed by melting ice, on July 26, 2026.

A recovery operation was organised, and the remains were taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Valais Hospital in Sion for identification.

A direct comparison of DNA profiles confirmed that the two men had gone missing in the Weissmies region, the Valais cantonal police said. They were Belgian nationals aged 39 and 41 when they disappeared.

Glacier retreat repeatedly exposes the remains of people who disappeared in the mountains decades ago. The Valais cantonal police maintains a list of missing people dating back to 1925, mainly involving people who disappeared in high mountains, rivers or other bodies of water.