Body of missing Virginia teacher found over a month after vanishing on hiking trip to Peru — as family searches for answers

The body of an Virginia teacher who went missing in the Andes mountains more than a month ago has been found, the broken-hearted family announced.

Ian Treger’s remains were reportedly discovered near a trail that the 29-year-old from Lexington had planned to hike — after vanishing in the Peruvian city of Cusco on May 13.

“It is with profound sadness that we share that Ian’s body has been found in Peru,” the family wrote on GoFundMe.

“Our hearts are broken, and we are still absorbing this devastating loss.”

His devastated mother, Michelle Ludwig, said Wednesday that “a shepherd who works the field with his alpacas” found her son, according to the Daily Mail.

While local police told Ludwig that her Treger’s death was a “hiking accident and that he was by himself,” she still has many questions surrounding the mystery.

“I don’t understand how this could’ve happened. He was a very capable hiker and is used to high-altitude trails,” she told the outlet. 

Treger’s personal belongings — including a backpack, expensive camera equipment, a wallet and iPhone — were found near his body, according to his mother. 

Local authorities have ruled out foul play as none of the teacher’s belongings appeared to be stolen, but said they will continue to investigate.

“They have no conclusion about it yet,” Ludwig told the outlet.

“They are investigating, but this is the kind of hike he’s done so many times before.”

A body in an “advanced state of decomposition” with blond hair and similar clothing to Treger was found beside a small stream on June 30, according to the High Mountain Police in Peru, the Daily Mail reported.

Treger — an avid and experienced hiker — arrived in Peru on May 11 for a 10-day trip involving rigorous hikes on “high-risk” mountain trails, family friend Donna Welch previously told WDBJ.

His family last heard from him on May 13 when he was in Cusco — and was reported missing two weeks later when they were unable to contact him.

Surveillance footage last captured Treger leaving his Airbnb on the day his family last spoke with him, according to Welch.

Ludwig flew to Peru to assist police and the US embassy and an online fundraiser was created to help fund the search and rescue.

The Peruvian National Police did not reply to The Post’s request for more information.