Body found in Andalucía confirmed as missing American cyclist
The 50-year-old Malaga resident disappeared while out biking in January
Andalucían authorities have confirmed that the body found on February 16 near the old seminary in Siles, Jaén, belongs to missing American cyclist Matt Opperman. The 50-year-old, a long-time resident of Malaga, went missing while out for a cycle in the Sierra de Segura on January 24.
Matt’s body was discovered by a hill walker at the weekend, lying beside his bike. Although police didn’t immediately suspect foul play, a post mortem was still carried out. However, according to Jaén minister Manuel Fernández, “the remains were in a tremendously difficult condition to be able to reach any kind of conclusion.”
The American was positively identified by documentation in his pockets.
Asked if the cause of death could have been due to a fall, Mr Fernández added that“it is impossible to find evidence that confirms, of course, that it was a violent death, practically impossible.”
In addition to the large-scale search launched by the Guardia Civil, Matt’s friends and colleagues from the SpainDh club made several appeals on social media and joined the volunteers combing the area.
Through their Facebook profile, they explained that their “friend Matt was passionate about cycling and the mountains” and they were “sure that he would be moved by the immense display of affection and brotherhood that everyone has shown.”
“His friendship, his adventurous spirit and his energy will live on in every route and on every trail that we travel. Thank you for not giving up, for searching for him tirelessly and for showing us that solidarity is stronger than any obstacle. With gratitude and respect, SpainDh on behalf of Matt’s family and friends,” concludes their message.
In other news: British woman, 90, starved to death on the Costa del Sol
Image: SpainDh
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