AN ELDERLY Irish man has been found dead in Italy, after attempting the 'Way of Assisi' pilgrimage walk, according to local media.
The 79 year old man was on the Apennine Romagnolo pilgrimage from Montepaolo of Dovadola, through Romagna, Tuscany and Umbria, arriving in Assisi.
However the alarm was raised for the 79-year-old man when he failed to arrive at a farmhouse for a scheduled overnight stay in Modigliana on Wednesday evening, September 6, reports Forli Today.
Both police and firefighters investigated the incident, however weather conditions and darkness in the mountainous area meant search efforts ceased for the night.
The search resumed Thursday morning, with firefighters, civil defence and an alpine rescue helicopter.
The body of the Irishman was discovered on Thursday night at 10.30pm at the bottom of a cliff along the pilgrimage trail, in Monte Forcella in the municipality of Modigliana.
Police believe the man may have fallen ill and stumbled while walking along the pilgrimage route, but medical examinations are taking place.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs have said they are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance.
