Missing British tourist found dead at bottom of cliff after hiking 'difficult track'

Gerard Christopher Turner, 56, was vacationing with his family in Lezzono, in the Italian Alps, when he decided to go on a solo hike - but a few hours later he called his wife to tell her he was walking on a "rough track" and then disappeared

The man was with his family in Lezzeno near the Alps in Italy

A Briton who disappeared after hiking 'on a rough track' has been found dead at the bottom of a cliff, we have learned.

Gerard Christopher Turner, 56, was reported missing while trekking with his family in the Italian Alps, according to local media.

Mr. Turner fell into a gorge and hit his head, dying instantly, an Italian reported citing "initial reconstruction".

The 56-year-old left his accommodation around 2:30 p.m. after telling his family that he wanted to go for a solo walk.

He was last heard from around 4:30 p.m. when he told his wife that he had turned a bend in rough terrain and was going to be late to get home.

At 6 p.m., the family was getting worried and tried to call him several times. They then contacted the emergency services.

Italian authorities have deployed a 50-man rescue operation to find the missing Briton (

Picture:

CNSAS/Facebook)