‘Just so worried’: Man disappears while visiting Peru on hiking trip, last seen alive leaving Airbnb

LEXINGTON, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) - A family is continuing to look for answers as to where their loved one is following his disappearance while on a trip to Peru.

Ian Treger, 29, was last heard from on May 13 in the Cusco region of Peru, where he planned to go hiking.

According to family friend Donna Welch, who has known Treger and his family for more than 30 years, he arrived in Peru on May 11 and was expected to return to the U.S. after a 10-day trip.

“We lost total contact with Ian on May 13 at around 11 a.m.,” Welch said.

According to Welch, Treger has spent years teaching English in Latin America and loves traveling and hiking, so a trip like this is not out of the ordinary.

However, she said staying in contact with family has always been important to him, making his disappearance especially concerning.

When Treger did not return home as planned, loved ones contacted authorities.

Welch said investigators have struggled to determine exactly which hiking trail Treger took, as there are several. She said surveillance footage only shows him leaving the Airbnb where he was staying.

“There are no leads. Nothing is showing on the camera except him leaving his Airbnb,” Welch said.

Treger’s mother, Michelle, traveled to Peru a little more than a week ago. Welch said she has been working with police, the U.S. Embassy and the military to track down his last movements.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Peru said it has been actively involved since Treger’s disappearance was reported.

“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the U.S. Embassy in Peru has been closely engaged since Mr. Treger’s disappearance was reported. We would refer you to Peruvian law enforcement for questions regarding their search effort,” a state department spokesperson said.

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for private search and rescue teams in Peru. According to the fundraiser, private search expeditions can cost around $20,000 and require week-long treks through difficult terrain.

Welch said despite the challenges and limited leads, those who know Treger best are refusing to give up hope.

“We just love Ian, and we’re just so worried about what has happened to him because it is not like him not to be in contact with his family, and we are very concerned,” she said.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner’s office said his team is willing to help in any way they can as the search continues.

“If the family is missing a loved one, my heart goes out to them, and if there is anything we can do or the United States government can do, we will help,” the senator shared.

Welch added that authorities are also checking Treger’s laptop back at home for any possible leads.