After almost two years of searching, the mystery of the disappearance of Mark Joris, a 72-year-old from Mortsel, Belgium, who disappeared in September 2024 during a mountain expedition in Albania, appears to have come to an end.
His remains and personal belongings were found over the weekend on a mountainside on the border between Albania and North Macedonia. Although DNA analysis is not yet complete, family members and sources close to the case say they are likely to belong to the missing Belgian tourist.
Mark Joris set off from Peshkopia on September 11, 2024, to hike the High Scardus Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that stretches across the border between Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. On September 15, during the 19th and final leg of the journey, he lost all contact and was never seen again.
The discovery was made by the North Macedonian border police, who during another search operation found the mortal remains and personal belongings in a rugged mountainous terrain, between the area known as Black Stone (border point E33) and Lake Podgorecko.
According to authorities, a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, a hiking boot, a hat and two cell phones were also found near the scene.
"The DNA investigation is still ongoing, but there is strong evidence that it is the missing person," said Lieselotte Claessens from the Antwerp Prosecutor's Office.
Authorities were also able to link one of the recovered phones to Mark Joris through the IMEI number, a unique identification code for mobile devices.
After his disappearance, local emergency services were called in to find the 72-year-old, while his family and friends also traveled to Albania to assist in the search.
According to published data, during previous operations they had passed very close to the area where his remains were later found.
Mark Joris, a resident of Mortsel, was a retired man and a keen hiker. Before his retirement, he had been a trombonist in the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra for many years. He had also conducted the Edegem Harmonica Orchestra and was part of the 't Akkoord band in Borgerhout.
